Free Shakespeare on the Common 2024: The Winter's Tale
We have Not Yet Posted This Year's Information for This Event Yet
If new information for this event is already available for this year, please let us know.
If new information for this event is already available for this year, please let us know.
| Venue: | Boston Common |
| Dates: | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from 7/16/24 - 8/4/24 |
| Hours: | Hours Vary see below |
| Ages: | Teens, Adults |
| In/Outdoor: | Outdoor |
| Cost: | Free see below |
| Category: | Theater & Shows |
One of Greater Boston's most beloved traditions, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's “Free Shakespeare On The Common” continues it's seasonal tradition for the 27th year with William Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale'. Join us under the stars July 16 - August 4, 2024.
About Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale'
King Leontes of Sicilia falsely accuses his wife, Hermione, of infidelity with his best friend, the King of Bohemia. Inflamed by jealousy and convinced that he is right, Leontes’ torment causes a storm of loss. Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale is a captivating parable of betrayals, renewed hope, and the transformative power of time.
Directed by CSC Associate Artistic Director Bryn Boice in her Boston Common debut, the production will take place at the Parkman Bandstand on July 16 – August 4, 2024 in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Ryan Woods, and Boston Chief of Arts and Culture Kara Elliott-Ortega.
Performances will begin on The Boston Common on Tuesday, July 16 at 8PM (with press opening on Wednesday, July 26 at 8PM) and end on Sunday, August 4.
*Content Advisory*
The Winter’s Tale is considered one of Shakespeare’s romances, or ‘problem plays’. This is because it holds both tragedy and comedy together in its plot. Deep-seated jealousy, a false sense of betrayal, and desire for revenge are among the themes that the play explores, in addition to a child and mother dying, child abandonment, false imprisonment, pick-pocketing–and being pursued by a bear (while exiting.) For these reasons, we encourage you to consider whether this play may be appropriate for young children.
2024 Performance Information
- Performances are FREE of charge.
- Advanced registration is not required for this summer’s production.
- Audience members are permitted to bring modest food items to consume at the show. Alcohol is not permitted on the Boston Common.
- Audience members can bring their own blankets or chairs, or can rent chairs online in advance or on-site for $10 Cash and $12 Credit.
- Reserved premium seating in our Friends Section is available now! Check out our Friends Section page for more information or click the button below to reserve yours today!
If you have any questions or concerns please contact our team at [email protected] or call our Box Office at 617-362-7485.
For Weather updates on performance nights, call the CSC weather hotline, (781) 239-5972.
Find lots more ideas on fun things to do in Boston.
Looking for more fun Boston Events in August? Check out our guide to summer fun for lots more ideas.
| HOURS | ↑ top |
Tuesday July 16, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Wednesday July 17, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Thursday July 18, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Friday July 19, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Saturday July 20, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Sunday July 21, 2024 at 8:00 PMTuesday July 23, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Wednesday July 24, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Thursday July 25, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Friday July 26, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Saturday July 27, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Sunday July 28, 2024 at 8:00 PMTuesday July 30, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Wednesday July 31, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Thursday August 1, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Friday August 2, 2024 at 8:00 PM
Saturday August 3, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Sunday August 4, 2024 at 8:00 PM
| COST | ↑ top |
Free and open to the public.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
commshakes.org/production/winterstale/
| LOCATION | ↑ top |
Boston Common, Boston, MA, 02116 map
Performances take place at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common, across from the AMC Loews Boston Common Movie Theater on Tremont Street. If you are traveling via the MBTA, there are several stations located within steps of the Boston Common: Green Line (Boylston or Park Street T stops), Orange Line (Downtown Crossing or Chinatown T stops) or the Red Line (Park Street or Downtown Crossing T stops).
Parking is available in the Boston Common Garage. Be sure to pick up a discount coupon from one of the tents or from one of the ushers. These coupons, provided by the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, extend a discount to our patrons and also direct funds to CSC. For more information visit the MCCA's website (http://massconvention.com/about-us/boston-common-garage).
| TIPS | ↑ top |
- can be easily viewed by several thousand people, but the closest seats are often taken early in the evening, so we recommend arriving early if you wish to be very close to the stage.
- Shows are cancelled in cases of heavy rain or lightning storms, so audiences can check-in with the Weather Hotline (617-426-0863 ext. 7) 1 or 2 hours before the show for cancellation announcements.
- If you have accessibility questions, check out the Accessibility page
| RELATED LINKS | ↑ top |
- Profiles
- Localities
Info changes frequently. We cannot warrant it. Verify with Free Shakespeare on the Common 2024: The Winter's Tale before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...
