Salem Unveils Free Live Performances Schedule for Summer 2021 at Willows, Derby Square & More
The City of Salem has released a full schedule of free live performances to be held at Salem Willows, Derby Square and Charlotte Forten Park. Performances by four local theatrical companies will bring live shows for all ages to downtown Salem this August and September, starting with the Olde Salem Stage Company’s production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” during Salem Heritage Days.
Performances are free and open to the public. Be sure to bring your own lawn chairs and blankets, and consider bringing a picnic lunch or dinner, or picking up some takeout from a local Salem restaurant on your way.
“Much Ado About Nothing” by the Olde Salem Stage Company runs August 7, 8, 14, and 15 at 6:30 pm with all performances scheduled for Charlotte Forten Park at 289 Derby Street. The performance follows the Olde Salem State Company’s mission of challenging and inspiring audiences while blending modern and traditional approaches to Shakespeare’s work. Learn more at oldesalemstagecompany.com.
DrumatiX is hosting performances of their show “Rhythm Delivered,” also at Charlotte Forten Park in late August. Performances are scheduled for 2:00 pm on August 21, 22, 29, and 29, and in case of rain they will be moved indoors to Old Town Hall. “Rhythm Delivered” features interactive percussive dancing accessible to families and people of all ages and backgrounds with the use of tap dance, body percussion and creative drumming. The performance will last approximately 45 minutes. Learn more at subscribepage.com/drumatixsalem.
“As You Like It,” the second Shakespeare in the Park production of the season, will be performed by Third Citizen Theatre Company in late August at the Salem Willows Band Shell. Performances take place August 28 and 29, and September 4, 5, and 6 at 6:00 pm. The performance encourages audience members to reflect upon contemporary issues while taking in one of Shakespeare’s renowned comedies. Learn more at thirdcitizentheatre.org and note there is a $20 suggested donation for general seating at “As You Like It.”
The Ridiculous Project’s “Dream, Love, Escape” rounds out the summer performance series September 4, 5, 11, and 12 in Derby Square. Shows take place at 7:00 pm, and offer an immersive experience where audience members are able to react and interact with the story. The performance focuses on a retelling of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” with a sense of added whimsy and magic making unique to The Ridiculous Project’s vision. Learn more at ridiculousproject.com.
Share your experiences this summer in Salem by tagging @destsalem and #DestSalem in your posts- Enjoy the show!
