Tag Archives: Shakespeare on the Common

Reminder: 2023 Shakespeare on the Common starts this week

One of my favorite summer traditions in Boston is attending one of the free performances by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) on the Boston Common. 

This year’s play, Macbeth, is one of Shakespeare’s better-known tragedies, but if you’re unsure what the story is about visit the CSC website for a brief overview. While I recognize Shakespeare can be difficult to read, watching the CSC production brings the bard’s words to life so even if the language can sound foreign, it is easier to understand what is happening.

Enjoy an evening outside with friends or a date with someone special. We typically pack wine and charcuterie (you can get what you need at the nearby Roche Bros in Downtown Crossing but I like to make and pack it at home). While public drinking is a no-no, as long as you are discreet, nobody will bother you.

While the performances remain free, due to the popularity of these performances, advanced registration is strongly recommended for ease of arrival and priority access to seating. You can bring your own blankets and chairs. You can also rent chairs online in advance or on-site for $10. All shows start at 8PM with the exception of August 5th which starts at 6PM.

For more information about the programming or the CSC, visit the Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. website.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company presents Much Ado About Nothing

Photo from CSC website

Shakespeare on Boston Common July 20 – Aug 7

One of my favorite summer traditions in Boston is attending one of the free performances by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on the Boston Common. Last year I had a great time with friends watching the CSC produtionc of The Tempest and this year’s comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, is one of my favorites from The Bard – much thanks to the 1990s movie starring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson.

While the performances remain free, due to the popularity of these performances, advanced registration is strongly recommended for ease of arrival and priority access to seating. All shows start at 8PM with the exception of the matinee on July 30th which starts at 4PM. For more information, visit the Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. website.

About Much Ado About Nothing

The plot revolves around two couples — witty Beatrice and Benedick, who publicly proclaim their disdain for each other but fall madly in love; and naïve Hero and Claudio, who fall quickly in love only to be thwarted and then reunited (in both cases, with a bit of help from their friends). But it’s more than just a comedic romp. The play tackles serious themes too: trust and betrayal, power and privilege, gendered expectations around chastity and violence.

Shakespeare on the Common returns

Photo from CSC website

One of my favorite summer traditions in Boston is attending one of the free performances by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company on the Boston Common. Last year the tradition was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but this year the theater company returns with a production of The Tempest. All shows are free and will begin one week from today, running through Sunday, August 8th.

For everyone’s safety, this year’s production will be streamlined with an intermission-free performance. In addition, audience size will be limited according to state and city guidelines on capacity and social distancing. Due to these capacity constraints, advanced registration is strongly recommended for ease of arrival and priority access to seating. However, walk-ups will be welcome the night of each performance. For more information, visit the Commonwealth Shakespeare Co. website.

About the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company: The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company was formed in 1996 by artistic director Steven Maler and associate Joan Moynagh to bring free, outdoor Shakespeare to the city of Boston.