Every summer we go to Shakespeare in the Park. It's an annual reminder that this city is magical and that I should stay. We go early and wait in line, talking and hanging out. Then we buy a tuna sandwich at the cafe which comes with Rick's Picks pickled green beans and pickles and take our seats. At our first play, it was opening night of Twelfth Night. Anne Hathaway was the lead. A raccoon darted across the stage during the shipwreck and the entire audience giggled like happy-drunk children. Crickets chirped, the sun set bloody orange behind the outdoor stage, and Hem serenaded the night. Hugh Jackman and his wife sat four rows in front of us and after the show, he dropped his tickets on the ground and we picked them up, hyped on Shakespeare and perfect moments. I don't know what we did with the tickets.

Buy these beautiful illustrated plays here