Free Boston Events: Shakespeare on the Common

The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, a non-profit organization that strives to spread the arts among diverse Boston communities and inspire creativity in people young and older will perform for what is to be the 14th year in a row the work of William Shakespeare at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common at the end of this month.

Each year, a new Shakespeare play, directed by Steven Maler, is produced and performed to a lawn full of individuals and families of all ages every night around sunset for a span of several weeks. This year the performance will be Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" and will run Tuesdays through Sundays from July 31st to August 16th, 2009. Shows from Tuesday to Saturday will take place at 8:00pm and Sunday shows, regularly at 7:00pm. Special matinee shows will be presented on Sunday, August 9th at 1pm and on Wednesday, August 12th at 12:30pm.

If past performances can be any indication of what to expect, this year's event series promises to bring hundreds of people out to the Boston Common park, some arriving up to two to three hours before show time to score the coziest seat on the lawn where they can spread out on a blanket or lawn chair and share a picnic basket with their family and friends.

The following are facts you need to know about Shakespeare in the Common:

*The Shakespeare on the Common Boston performance event series is free and open to the public. Seating on the lawn is first come first served.

*Chairs and blankets are welcomed and encouraged but keep in mind there will be a designated area where those with "tall" chairs will be required to sit so as to not block other's "low beach chair" or flat blanket seat viewpoint.

*Alcohol is not permitted but non-alcoholic beverages and snacks, along with a light sweater, mosquito repellent and a just-in-case umbrella are recommended. Low beach chairs will be available to rent, bottled water to purchase and portable potties for desperate circumstances.

*It is advised that in case of heavy rain or thunderstorms those wishing to attend a Shakespeare on the Common performance check in with the official weather hotline two hours before show time for cancellation updates. 617-532-1212.