Brian Stokes Mitchell Makes Shakespeare In The Park Debut In 'Much Ado About Nothing'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Brian Stokes Mitchell has enjoyed an illustrious career on Broadway. But the Tony Award winner only made his debut at Shakespeare in the Park this month.

Mitchell -- who plays Don Pedro, prince of Aragon, in "Much Ado About Nothing" -- told CBS 2's Dana Tyler he had been intimidated about performing in a Shakespeare play.

"It's taking on another language, and it's incredibly dense," Mitchell said. "What I love about it is Shakespeare works on so many different levels -- on a language level, on an emotional level, on archetypal level, on a poetry level. It's a big meal to take a bite out of it. It intimdated me, but I'm not intimidated anymore."

LINK: More Info About 'Much Ado About Nothing'

Shakespeare in the Park, produced by The Public Theater, started in 1962, and Mitchell said he enjoys being part of the tradition.

"To be able to stand backstage ... during our show and hear nearly 2,000 people erupt into laughter together that just goes out into the New York air, into the park and hear that constantly is just an incredible, incredible kind of feeling," Mitchell said.

Hamish Linklater and Lily Rabe star as Benedick and Beatrice. Jack O'Brien directs the play, which runs through July 6 at Central Park's Delacorte Theater. Admission is free.

Shakespeare in the Park will then begin its run of "King Lear," starring John Lithgow, Annette Bening, from July 22-Aug. 17.

Watch the video above for the full interview with Mitchell.

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