Paul Simon's The Capeman Returns to New York with Free Central Park Concerts

The Public Theater will present a new free concert version of The Capeman at the Delacorte Theater, set to play just three performances between August 14 and August 16. Directed by Tony Award winning Hair director Diane Paulus, the show features a book and lyrics by Paul Simon and Derek Walcott and music by Simon. Free tickets for the performances will be distributed the day of the show. 

The concert revisits the 1998 Broadway production of The Capeman, which tells the true story of Salvador Agron, a Nuyorican street gang member whose story exploded on to the front pages of the tabloids in 1959, ultimately revealing the cultural and racial tensions beneath the surface of New York in that era.

“I think the Delacorte is the ideal place to hear the music from The Capeman,” said Simon. “It’s going to be a great musical night.”

Directed and choreographed by modern dance icon Mark Morris, The Capeman opened at the Marquis Theatre on January 29, 1998 after a troubled eight-week long preview period that saw show doctor Jerry Zaks joining the creative team, bringing major changes with him. Recording star Marc Anthony made his Broadway debut in the show as young Sal, with Ruben Blades playing his older counterpart. Also featured in the company were Ednita Nazario, Tony winner Sara Ramirez (Spamalot), Cass Morgan (Memphis), Natascia A. Diaz and Luba Mason. Although it ran only 68 performances, the show was nominated for three 1998 Tony Awards including a Best Score nod for Simon and Walcott.

Simon is a twelve-time Grammy Award winner, Oscar nominee and Kennedy Center honoree, best known for his work as one-half of the legendary musical duo Simon and Garfunkel. His songs include “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “Scarborough Fair,” and “The Sound of Silence,” which have been heard on radio airwaves an estimated 75 million times. In 2006, Time magazine named him one of “100 People Who Shaped the World.” In addition to creating The Capeman, Simon wrote and starred in the 1980 film One Trick Pony.

Sergio Trujillo will provide choreography for the event, while Grammy Award winner Oscar Hernadez and his 12-piece orchestra will play Simon’s score. Casting and full creative team for the project will be announced at a later date.