The Commonwealth Shakespeare Company’s production of Hamlet is not only free but it’s outstanding! If you’re in the Boston area then you really should go see it between now and August 7, 2005. I have a short attention span and don’t sit still very well and I managed to make it through the three hours just fine. There’s a short intermission about 70 minutes into the play. I’m not sure how early you’d want to get there during a weeknight performance but on the weekend, it’s best to show up at least 90 minutes early to grab a decent area near the stage. The chair rentals are essential and a bargain at $5 (you give them $10 and they give you $5 back when you return the chair.) And as an added bonus, they are extremely efficient — you won’t have to wait very long when returning the chair afterwards. If you have free time and can help out as a volunteer they’ll give you a seat in the VIP section. Or you can get that seat by making a $100 tax-deductible contribution as a Hamlet sponsor.
