Wildfire Smoke Imperils First Performance Of Shakespeare In The Park

UPDATE: The Public Theater has canceled the first two performances of the Shakespeare in the Park production of Hamilton on Thursday and Friday due to the ongoing air quality issues related to the wildfire smoke coming from Canada, a spokesperson from the theater told Patch.

CENTRAL PARK, NY — O, that this too, too sullied air would go away, otherwise a famous Central Park show might not go on.

Shakespeare in the Park canceled "Hamlet" rehearsals Wednesday, just one day before the iconic free performance is set to have its first performance at the Delacorte Theatre, due to the smoke currently blanketing New York City.

And the Public Theater has yet to decide whether or not the curtain can rise on the first performance of the season on Thursday, Jana Zschoche, a spokesperson for the Public Theater told Patch.

"The Public is closely monitoring the air quality situation and taking appropriate actions to ensure the health and safety of its staff, artists, and audiences," Zschoche said.

"Tomorrow’s first performance will be determined as the situation evolves."

The wildfire smoke from Canada is expected to linger over New York City for days as elected officials have urged city residents to limit their time outdoors.

All five boroughs are under a state air quality health advisory, officials said.

New Yorkers watched — and smelled — in real time as air quality eroded Tuesday. By late evening, the air quality index reached 218.

A level above 100 is considered unhealthy. It was at 159 as of 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday.