Best NYC Shows, Ballets and Operas for Summer 2014

There’s no doubt that New York offers the crème de la crème of fine art scene, from top-notch ballets to breathtaking operas. So when a brand new play or performance comes to town, excitement spreads like wildfire across the island and Manhattanites rush to secure their tickets. Haute Living has rounded up the ultimate guide to the ballets, operas and shows in NYC this summer, from Lincoln Center to Central Park, that you can’t miss.

The Delacorte Theater
81 Central Park West
(212) 539-8500

Photo Credit: Elegran

Shakespeare in the Park, one of New York’s most beloved artistic traditions, is performing King Lear this summer in the heart of Central Park at the Delacorte Theater. Sponsored by The Public Theater, the show’s tickets will be free for attendees who wait in line on the day of the event to secure them. Check out the talented performance now through August 17th at 8pm every day of the week (minus Monday).

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
(212) 875-5000

Photo Credit: Essential Solutions

The Lincoln Center is serving up some seriously unbelievable and unique shows, including The City of Conversation (a play through July 26), the Mostly Mozart Festival Orchestra (July 29-30), the Emerson String Quartet (August 4), The Maids featuring Cate Blanchett (a play from August 6-16), and the Mark Morris Dance Group (August 7-9). We suggest securing tickets for these amazing productions ASAP.

SummerStage
Central Park

Photo Credit: The Maddy Chronicles

Here’s the summer arts festival you can’t miss in Central Park: SummerStage, a tradition since 1986 that features more than 100 performances and 300 performers of music, dance and theatre. While most shows are free of charge, an exclusive handful of remaining shows are ticketed benefit shows—and still selling spots! Our personal favorites include Ingrid Michaelson (July 30), Gavin DeGraw with Matt Nathanson (August 13), and The Fania All-Stars (August 24).