Commonwealth Shakespeare Company stages A MidSummer Night's Dream, this year's annual family-friendly "Shakespeare in the Park" production of free Boston theater during July and August.
Sit on a grassy slope on Boston Common and watch the actors on stage above as this popular comedy about romantic tangles, magical interlude in a forest complete with meddling fairies and their ring leader named Puck, love potions, gender roles and conflicts, and mistaken identities result in multiple plot twists before ending with multiple marriages.
Enjoying one of these wonderful Shakespeare on the Common performances under the stars on a balmy summer evening is an iconic seasonal Boston experiences you should not miss.
Performances take place in July and August on a temporary stage near the Parkman Bandstand on Boston Common.
Bring a blanket or low folding chair to sit on, and get ready to be entertained, to have your thinking challenged in new ways, and to listen to the thrilling language of Shakespeare, as meaningful today as when he wrote this play four centuries ago.
Bonus: Shakespeare knew the power of laughter - so even in his tragedies, such as Macbeth, you can always expect some comic relief.
In his romantic comedies such as A Midsummer's Night Dream, darker elements sometimes creep in - so watch for them if you want to grasp the play's full meaning. Otherwise, just relax and enjoy the laughs.
Check exact dates/times on the Boston Event Calendar for July (or August)
"Cheat Sheet" for Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
In case like most people you've never encountered this play before, I've prepared this brief cheatsheet:
Shakespeare's Inspiration for A Midsummer Night's Dream
Shakespeare's probably wrote A Midsummer Night's Dream in 1595 or 1596, possibly to celebrate an aristocratic wedding that took place at about this time, as well as allusions to weather conditions, failed crops, and the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
It's one of his early plays, written during a period when he was focused on lyricism and the nuances, including some darker tones, of romantic love and relationships between men and women.
Plot ofA Midsummer Night's Dream
As is so often true with Shakespeare's plays, get ready for plenty of twists, turns, and subplots.
In A Midsummer Night's Dream, most of the action takes place in a forest called Fairyland near Athens and the plot and subplots (yes, there are many) involve a wedding involving Theseus, the Duke of Athens and Hippolyta, the Queen of the Amazons, and include the interactions of four young lovers, a father, a revel master (yes, that's a thing), six amateur actors who are rehearsing a play for the wedding, a band of fairies including a fairy king (Oberon), a fairy queen (Titania), a fairy sprite (Puck), and more fairies, servants, and artisans (who the fairy Puck describes as "rude mechanicals."
Without giving away too much more of the plot, let's just say that order is restored and weddings do take place - but not before sleeping potions, missing actors, a possible group wedding (or maybe just a dream?),and a botched play performed by the artisans have created reasonable doubt about the lines between the order of the "real" world, the magical world of the forest, and illusions of all sorts.
Commonwealth Shakespeare's productions are always fast-paced, entertaining, and thought-provoking.
As you make your way for the twists and turns in this particular play, look for the moments when romantic love isn't always what it seems and gender roles related to patriarchy, social expectations, and individuality don't always conform to conventions.
A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Common promises to be an evening to remember for both its entertainment value as well as Shakepeare's "take" on the various forms of love.
Bottom Line: Will You Enjoy this Year's Production?
Yes, probably.
It's actually one of Shakespeare's most popular plays, with numerous major productions and adaptions through the centuries.
Commonwealth Shakespeare Company excels at making even the most difficult plays accessible and entertaining, and in delivering a compelling, contemporary performance to leave you entertained ... and perhaps with a few new insights.
Where to Stay Nearby
Watch Shakespeare on the Common, and then stroll back to your hotel in five minutes or less when you stay at one of these popular hotels overlooking the Common, or just a block away.
- Hotel AKA Boston Common - On Boston's Freedom Trail
- W Hotel Boston - Theatre District hotel, 5-minute walk from the Common
- Revere Boston Common - Enjoy the rooftop bar!
What to Expect in This Year's Performances
Typically, the 18 or so Shakespeare on the Common performances attract 50,000 - 100,000 people each season. Without a doubt, this is one of the most popular Boston theater events of the year.
In case you're inwardly groaning at the idea of an evening of Shakespeare, rest assured that this is not the stodgy stuff that you may remember from high school.
The high-energy performance typically mixes in plenty of humor and more than a few bawdy jokes and innuendos (carefully crafted to go over the heads of children in the audience).
This approach is similar in spirit from how William Shakespeare's actors kept their diverse fans entertained in the Globe Theatre 400+ years ago.
What to Bring to Shakespeare on the Common
At a minimum, bring a blanket to sit on. The elevated, well-lit stage is at the bottom of a gentle slope, so you will be able to see well from wherever you're sitting.
Some people also bring low folding chairs. Since the performance runs about 2.5 hour without an intermission, chairs tend to be more comfortable than sitting on the ground.
Mosquito repellent is always a good idea, and you should also bring an umbrella if there is any chance of rain. If you think the ground might be damp - perhaps from a shower earlier in the day - bring a lightweight tarp (or a couple of large plastic garbage bags) if you're planning to spread a blanket on the ground.
A light sweater or jacket can be welcome even on muggy nights, which can turn cooler than you might expect, especially if there's a breeze.
The area closest to the stage begins to fill up about 2 hours before the performance.
However, the slightly sloping ground as well as the lighting and sound systems make it easy for you to see and hear what's going on even if you're sitting far from the stage, so this is one time when you don't need to worry about arriving super-early or scrambling to get a "good" spot.
Lots of people bring picnic dinners, and along with something cold and refreshing to drink. But if you don't have time to pack a dinner, don't worry. Food and beverage vendors will be nearby during many performances.
Alternately, stop by one of Boston's wine bars or have dinner before the performance at one of the terrific Theatre District restaurants just a block or two away, and Chinatown restaurants are only two or three blocks away.
Another great option for continuing your summer evening in the city: stop by a local Boston nightlife spot after the performance.
Essentials: Shakespeare on the Common
- Location: Near the Parkman Bandstand and ball field on Boston Common. The Bandstand is behind Frog Pond, near the center of the Common.
- Dates and times: Usually July and August - check Boston Events Calendar for July for exact dates and times
- Cost: Free
- Rain: The show will be cancelled if there is lightening or heavy rain
- For more information: Shakespeare on the Common website
- Nearest T station: Green and Red Lines/Park Street, or Green Line/Boylston
- Parking: Boston Common Garage, entrance on Charles Street between Boston Common and the Public Garden
- Toilets: Nearby port-a-potties; despite size of the audience, there are usually plenty available
- Stay: Downtown Boston Hotels
Boston Insider Tips
Food: If at all possible, bring something to eat.
The sight of other people's elaborate charcuterie and cheese boards and picnic fare is almost guaranteed to make you feel hungry and somewhat jealous unless you have something equally good.
Beverages: Alcoholic beverages are prohibited in Boston parks.
However, you may notice a number of discrete thermoses and other opaque beverage containers among the rather mellow crowd.
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