To Do Today: Shakespeare on the Common
The company of Much Ado About Nothing. Photo by Nile Scott Photography
To Do Today: Shakespeare on the Common
Watch a free performance of Much Ado About Nothing through August 7
What?
When?
July 28 at 8 pm. Shows run through August 7; check out the full performance schedule here.
Where?
Parkman Bandstand in the Boston Common, across from the AMC on Tremont Street
How much?
Free
Why should I go?
Shakespeare on the Common returns for its 26th season with a free, outdoor production of Much Ado About Nothing, presented by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. Modeled on New York City’s Shakespeare in the Park, this popular Boston tradition attracts roughly 50,000 people each year.
Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy that revolves around two couples: Beatrice and Benedick, who disdain each other but fall madly in love; and Hero and Claudio, who fall in love quickly, only to have their love thwarted and eventually restored. The play also incorporates serious themes like power and privilege, trust and betrayal, and gender expectations. Love and justice manage to prevail at the end of this beloved comedy. Historians believe Shakespeare wrote the play around 1599.
The list of BU students and alums involved in the production is long: John Kuntz (GRS’06) plays Antonio, Siobhán Carroll (CFA’16) plays Margaret, Jon Vellante (CFA’16) plays Balthasar, and Dylan C. Wack (CFA’18) plays the Second Watchman (George Seacole). Creative team members for the show include: Jessica Malone (CFA’17), the intimacy and fight director, Gabe Bagdazian (CFA’22), the costume shop manager and wardrobe supervisor, and Ludmila de Brito (CFA’23), the assistant director.
Attendees are invited to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks to enjoy during the show. Chairs are also available to rent on-site for $10 (cash only) and can be reserved here.
You don’t want to miss this unique theater experience, running through August 7.
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