Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience
- Nate Hinkle
- Sep 12
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 19
There is something nearly normal about hundreds of New Yorkers wrapped around several city blocks, waiting on line for a chance to see a free performance brought to us by the Public Theater. It’s nearly normal in a way that seems difficult to reconcile in 2025, a time where museum collections are being scrutinized for objectionable material, funding for the arts continues to evaporate like potable water and genocide plays out in real time via mobile device. It’s far easier these days to find reasons to stay away and slip into the quiet numbness of the feed instead of making the effort to sit with our fellow humans. But perhaps that’s part of why this particular show feels so meaningful now. The show is Pericles: A Public Works Concert Experience - a fresh adaptation by Public Work’s own Troy Anthony - that was staged at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in Upper Manhattan over the long Labor Day weekend. Few would expect a musical version of one of the Bard’s most eclectic stories, much less one that feels so of the moment and of the people who created it.
The story we are about to undertake is not for the faint of heart. It takes the power of the ancestors to bring forth, through the guide of Gower, played by the fierce Crystal Lucas-Perry. She begins the tale as Pericles, played thrillingly by Ato Blankson-Wood, flees Antioch after solving a riddle revealing King Antiochus’ incest with the former bride to be. From that moment, Pericles’ journey is fraught with extremes, including violent storms and shipwrecks, a joyful marriage and then stunning loss of his wife Thaisa, played by the jubilant Denée Benton, and the abduction of his daughter Marina, played by the cherubic Amina Faye. After years of separation and grief, the family is reunited through a series of divine interventions and chance encounters. It is a fantastical mishmash of sin and redemption - extreme in a way that only seems fitting for the world of today and benefitting a stage set within the largest gothic cathedral in the world.
Throughout our labyrinthine saga, Gower guides our chorus of community, composed of 100 Public Works members. She bounds across the stage as she conducts a symphony of voices to breathe life into this epic tale. There is much praise to be had for the songs and verses from the hand and spirit of Anthony. The songs blend pop, gospel, R&B, funk and the blues to further emphasize the spiritual alchemy taking place and are sticky enough that you might find yourself bopping along to them days after the performance. The sassy “It’s My Birthday” gives Benton her moment to shine, while the harmonious “It Could Not Please Me Better” gives our lovers their sweet duet. Faye truly shines in the glorious “Find Your Light,” but one of the most singular performances of the evening is reserved for Diana’s, Alex Newell, triumphant “All Will Be Restored” brought to vivid life by Melissa Mizell’s dazzling lighting design.
All of these numbers are given an extra polish by the rousing chorus, whose voices reverberate across the transept and chancel. Cameo groups include Alpha Phi Alpha, Daniel Dicarri, I live in hope - incredible dance from Emerge125, Haitian Women for Haitian Refugees, Khasso, Arts, and the crackling drum line of the Marching Cobras – all of which have their own moments to shine woven into the performance.
At the helm of this inspired production is Classical Theatre of Harlem’s own Artistic Director Carl Cofield (debuting at the Public Theater), leading the charge with Anthony’s streamlined book and lyrics. Supported by the additional talents of sound design by Justin Stasiw and Walter Trarbach, music direction by Sam Appiah, production design by Riw Rakkulchon, and choreography by Tiffany Rea-Fisher.
Pericles in this form is a surprising delight. One that entertains but also draws us together in a time of strife to remind us that art heals and good things are possible if we stick together and stick it out. Pain will always be a part of life, but it doesn’t have to be what defines it.
August 29 - Sept 2, 2025
The Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10025
Free
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