Free Shakespeare on the Common
Offers "Two Gentlemen of Verona"
July 6 - 28

One of Greater Boston's most beloved traditions, Commonwealth Shakespeare Company's free "Shakespeare On The Common,” celebrates its 18th season with the comedy "The Two Gentlemen of Verona." Inspired by the Vegas Rat Pack-era, this new production brings together the talents of CSC’s Artistic Director Steve Maler, music director Colin Thurmond and choreographer Yo-el Cassell. Playing July 6 - 28, performances are free and open to the public.

Commonwealth Shakespeare Company is dedicating this season to Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Angela Menino. A special dedication event will take place on July 11.

William Shakespeare’s "The Two Gentleman of Verona" tells the tale of two friends who leave their hometown of Verona to find their happy fortunes in Milan. Instead, they face temptation, trickery and trouble as they vie for favor with the high-society Duke and his debutante daughter. All are drawn into a web of disguise and secrecy where the last thing anyone wants is for the truth to surface.

The production will feature 12 actors, jazz musicians, 24 acting apprentices, and 4 dogs. A five piece jazz band comprised of New England Conservatory students led by pianist Evan Allen (B.M. ’13), will be integrated into the narrative of the play, performing classic jazz standards with a Rat-Pack flavor, including “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Fever,” “Change Partners” and “Witchcraft.” Offering a new twist, the actors will sing and play along with the trio, bringing new meaning to line “What happens in Milan, stays in Milan.”

The cast features "NCIS Los Angeles'" Peter Cambor, Larry Coen, Remo Airaldi, Kortney Adams, Mimi Bilinski, Rick Park, Ellen Adair, Terrence O’Malley, Alan R. White, Jenna Augen, Andrew Burnap, and Evan Sanderson along with their four-legged friends, Louie, Maestro, Peter, and Roxie.

The ensemble is composed of the CSC Acting Apprentice Company, including Olivia Rose Barresi, Julia Bartoletti, Scott Coffey, Katherine Cryer-Hassett, Julian Findlay, Vanessa Greenleaf, Annie Hochheiser, Olivia Hoffman, Alex Marz, Sarah Mass, Megan Massie, Michelle Martinelli, Christine Movius, Brian Pollock, Eliott Purcell, Leilani Ricardo, Matthew Ryan, Michael St. Germain, Felix Teich, Grace Trapnell, Sara Vanasse, Jacob Waxman, Corey Welden, and Evyn Whiteley.

Best known for its annual free performances on Boston Common, the non-profit Commonwealth Shakespeare Company was founded in 1996 and is dedicated to bringing the works of William Shakespeare in vital and contemporary productions to the people of Boston and to educating Boston’s youth not only about Shakespeare but about their own potential for creativity.

In addition to the annual Boston Common productions, CSC presents a summer “Tour of the Parks” program that brings Shakespeare-inspired programming designed for families to Boston neighborhood parks. Throughout the year, CSC performs as a part of First Night Boston and also presents a free series called American Voices featuring script-in-hand readings of classic American plays.

CSC fulfills its educational mission through its Summer Academy offering programs for both high school students and pre-professional actors. Throughout the year CSC partners with area high schools and Boys and Girls Clubs to provide in- and after-school theater training to inner-city youth.

All Boston Common performances are free and open to the public. For reserved chairs, special events, and more information visit www.commshakes.org or call 617-426-0863.