After weathering the storm of the last year, it makes perfect sense that Commonwealth Shakespeare Company would choose “The Tempest” for the grand return of its Boston Common-set series of live — and free! — outdoor performances. The Bard’s final play, a tragicomedy among castaways on a mysterious, mystical island, marks the Company’s 25th series of Shakespeare productions under the stars. And the role of the airy spirit Ariel will be performed by Boston Ballet’s Principal Dancer John Lam. There will be a few pandemic-related adjustments to this year’s show though: It will be streamlined to eliminate intermission; as our July/August issue went to press, masks were to be required while on site; and although it’s still free to attend, advance registration is required to accommodate reduced capacity.
| When | Where | How |
| July 21–Aug. 8 | Boston Common | commshakes.org |
