Free Shakespeare on the Common 2022: Much Ado About Nothing
| Venue: | Boston Common |
| Dates: | Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun from 7/20/22 - 8/27/22 |
| Hours: | SCHEDULE: |
| 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 25th year with William Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'. Join us under the stars July 20- August 27.
About Shakespeare's 'Much Ado About Nothing'
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) and Artistic Director Steven Maler are pleased to announce the return of Free Shakespeare on the Common in the summer of 2022 – William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian.
Performances will begin on The Boston Common on Wednesday, July 20 at 8PM (with press opening on Wednesday, July 27 at 8PM) and end on Sunday, August 7.
Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently performed plays.
The plot revolves around two couples — witty Beatrice and Benedick, who publicly proclaim their disdain for each other but fall madly in love; and naive 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.
This is a comedy entangled with a tragedy, where love and justice nevertheless manage to prevail with vigorous joy — a perfect play for our uncertain times.
Much Ado About Nothing was first performed in 1612 in London. CSC has performed the play once before, in 2004 on the Boston Common.
2022 Schedule
Tuesday–Saturday at 8pm, Sundays at 6pm (off Mondays)
To reserve “Friends Section” chairs ($60-$75 donation per chair) or for more information visit www.commshakes.org or call (617) 426-0863.
Performances are FREE of charge. Curtain time 8:00 p.m. for most performances (specifics TBA).
Audience members can bring blankets or chairs, or can rent chairs on site for $10.
Information about our Friends Seats will be announced at a later date.
Audience members are permitted to bring modest food items to consume at the show.
In addition, audience size will be limited according to the most updated state and city guidelines on capacity and social distancing.
In accordance with union guidelines, CSC invites and encourages patrons over the age of 2 to wear a mask until seated, while attending The Tempest.
The production will remain free, but due to expected capacity constraints, advanced registration is recommended for ease of arrival and priority access to seating.
Walk ups will be welcome the night of!
To register for your spot to see The Tempest visit https://web.ovationtix.com/trs/pr/1058821 .
Suffolk University has partnered with CSC on ticketing software.
When you begin registration you will see Suffolk University at the top of the page.
You are registering for FREE Shakespeare on the Common, NOT a Suffolk University event.
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.
| COST | ↑ top |
Free and open to the public.
| WEBSITE | ↑ top |
commshakes.org/free-shakespeare-on-the-common/
| 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 2022: Much Ado About Nothing before making the trek. If you find an error, please report it...