BOSTON, MA – The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company (CSC) and Steven Maler, Founding Artistic Director, are pleased to announce this summer’s offering of ‘Free Shakespeare on the Boston Common’: the delightful romance As You Like It directed by CSC Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler.
“Commonwealth Shakespeare Company Presents William Shakespeare’s As You Like It; Directed By Steven Maler; JULY – AUGUST 2025, Free on Boston Common” in Text against a metal textured purple wall with images of tropal flowers painted and drawn. A CSC logo. “Love is merely a madness” in text.
After her father’s kingdom is seized by his power-hungry brother, Rosalind and her cousin Celia flee in disguise, seeking refuge in the Forest of Arden. There, they find new freedom and wisdom about love, family, community, and acceptance. Shakespeare’s lush romantic comedy As You Like It celebrates the joys and follies of human nature and the beauty of creating one’s own sanctuary, even in the face of great tyranny.
Directed by CSC Founding Artistic Director Steven Maler, the production will take place at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common this July – August 2025, in partnership with the City of Boston, Mayor Michelle Wu, City of Boston Parks and Recreation, and Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.
Casting and creative team information for As You Like It will be announced later this spring.
In addition, CSC continues to program its annual Stage2 Performances of Shakespeare’s most popular plays, designed for middle and high school audiences. This year’s production of Macbeth, directed by CSC’s Associate Artistic Director Bryn Boice, examines the play’s questions of fate and free will as seen through the lenses of A.I. and technology.
ID: “Macbeth by William Shakespeare, directed by Bryn Boice, May 8, 7:30 PM and May 10, 2 PM. Student Matinees May 8-16, 2025; The Strand Theatre, Dorchester” ‘ in a neon green futuristic font against a background of computer code creating the shape of hands.
This timely take on Shakespeare’s classic play will focus on concepts of manufactured jealousy and the tragic consequences of ceaseless social climbing, with the Witches as ghastly algorithms guiding Macbeth along his deadly course of action. For students just discovering Shakespeare —and die-hard fans, as well— don’t miss this bold fusion of past and future! Public performances of Macbeth will take place on Friday, May 9th at 7:30 PM and Saturday, May 10th at 2 PM at the Strand Theatre in Dorchester. Student matinee performances will run May 8-16, 2025 and are on sale now!
“The Arden Party: CSC Gala 2025. Saturday April 5, 2025, 6PM at The Newbury Boston” in text. Tropical Florals. A CSC Logo.
CSC’s annual gala returns to the majestic Newbury Boston hotel on Saturday, April 5th! The Arden Party: CSC Gala 2025 will be a beautiful evening of performances and festivities in support of CSC’s 2025 Shakespeare on the Common production of As You Like It.
Co-chaired by Paul and Melissa Karger and Alex and Lianne Leventhal and honoring philanthropist Ricardo Rodriguez, the gala will feature a cocktail hour, multi-course dinner, live auction, and dancing, along with theatrical performances representing recent and upcoming CSC programming.
