Each summer there are certain things we all look forward to: fireworks on the 4th of July, barbecues on rooftops or in gardens and the unveiling of the Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park, which inevitably features some sweet young thing looking to beef up her resume and make good with a New York crowd. This summer’s first show, Twelfth Night, opens June 10, and it looks as though the tradition will continue. Below, a brief history of the trend.

Anne Hathaway
The Brooklyn-born Brokeback Mountain star will make her Central Park debut as Viola in Twelfth Night.

Lauren Ambrose
In 2007 the Six Feet Under and Psycho Beach Party actress starred in Romeo and Juliet.

Rosario Dawson
This lady from Alphabet City played Julia in 2005’s Two Gentleman of Verona.