This benefit follows the story of Shakespeare in America - beginning with first performances in the colonies in 1730; to the Astor Place Riots in 1849, when 22 died over the correct theatrical interpretation of Macbeth; to Shakespeare's influence on Abraham Lincoln and Mark Twain (including a reading from Huck Finn with the duke enacting Hamlet's soliloquy); to a 1910 silent film of Twelfth Night with actors performing the voice over on stage; to the American musical with performances from Swingin' The Dream, The Boys From Syracuse, Kiss Me, Kate and Illyria; to The Lion King", "10 Things I Hate About You" and Bart Simpson doing Hamlet.




The evening is hosted by Tony Award winner Liev Schreiber.