Opening
CORIOLANUS This summer’s free Shakespeare on the Common offering is Steven Maler’s timely election-year production of the Bard’s tragedy about an arrogant, high-handed Roman military leader who is thrust into the political arena. July 25-
Aug. 12. Presented by Commonwealth Shakespeare Company. At Parkman Bandstand, Boston Common. 617-426-0863, www
.commshakes.org
BILLY ELLIOTT: THE
MUSICAL The Tony Award-winning tale of a young boy from a British coal-mining family who pursues his dream of becoming a ballet dancer. July 24-Aug. 19. Presented by Broadway in Boston. At Boston Opera House. 800-982-2787, www.broad
wayinboston.com
THE ELABORATE ENTRANCE
OF CHAD DEITY The world of televised professional wrestling is the setting for Kristoffer Diaz’s Obie Award-winning comedy, directed by Shawn LaCount. July 28-
Aug. 25. Presented by Company One. At Roberts Studio Theatre, Boston Center for the Arts. 617-933-8600, www.companyone.org
THE TEMPEST Shakespeare’s island magician, renamed Prospera, is played by Olympia Dukakis in this production, set in the 1940s. The cast also includes Kristin Wold as Ariel, Rocco Sisto as Caliban, Merritt Janson as Miranda, and Apollo Dukakis as Gonzalo. Directed by Tony Simotes. Through Aug. 19. Shakespeare & Company, Tina Packer Playhouse, Lenox. 413-637-3353, www
.shakespeare.org