Commonwealth Classic
Theatre Company

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From the Critics:

Free Theatre in the Parks

2009’s A Midsummer Night’s Dreamby William Shakespeare

“CCTC’s traveling production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream is the play as Shakespeare intended it to be: elegant, hilarious, lyrical, madcap and magical.”  “…this production is firing on all cylinders.” “…fantastic, rich, laugh out-loud.” Philadelphia Examiner On Line

“It is inevitable that CCTC’s show be compared with the production of Midsummer at the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, where exquisite lighting, beautiful costuming and perfectly atmospheric sound design rule the day.  BUT PSF’s show…can’t match the feel-good, guffawing good time of Commonwealth’s outdoor production.”  Philadelphia Edge Magazine

2008’s The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare

“Bonetti’s direction states a clear message: This is beyond harmless; it’s summertime; we’re doing Shakespeare in the park; so sit back with your picnic, open a bottle of wine, and enjoy.  And it’s in the comedy that Bonetti’s production succeeds most, with smart humor that infuses the spirit of the ’50s into all of the script’s humorous embellishments.”“Bonetti’s clever comedy and ’50’s innuendo can still make us laugh.”  “Baldwin and Browns (husband and wife in real life) … a chemistry that truly sparkles.” Broad Street Review

 “In one of the summer’s most ambitious stagings, Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company brought Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew to Love Park in Center City, Philadelphia...on a weeknight... at rush hour... as part of their annual Free Theatre in the Parks Production. Flushed by the recent heat wave, the rosy, vociferous cast is led by Trice Baldwin and Joshua L. Browns as everyone’s favorite tempestuous lovers: the shrewish Katherine and her fortune-hunting suitor Petruchio.”“…when Kate and Petruchio finally meet, the wooing scene is so highly physical (kudos to Fight Director John Jezior) that you almost wish someone would bellow "Fight!" so the folks at the nearby bus stop won’t miss out.”  “…the cast delivers a brisk, fun, and wholly audible performance (no small feat outdoors in center city).” Philadelphia Edge Magazine

2007’s The Game of Love and Chance by Pierre Marivaux

 “Outdoor summer theater hasn't caught on in our area, but Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company might change that. Their touring production of The Game of Love and Chance plays in nine area parks (weather permitting) and, judging from last Saturday evening's show in Chestnut Hill's Pastorius Park, will succeed in all of them.” “inspired mayhem…”   “Vivid performances make every moment clear.” City Paper

Four Wall Theatre Program

2007’s Love’s Labor’s Lost by William Shakespeare

Bulletin Review:

“This play has been brought to life in a delightful and compelling production by the Commonwealth Classic Theatre Company, in collaboration with the Drexel Players and the Mandell Professionals in Residence Project. The mixture of professional and student actors, directed by CCTC artistic associate director Joshua L. Browns, results in a production crackling with energy and humor.”

“Standouts include CCTC actor Allen Radway as Berowne, the most outspoken and manly bachelor of the King's group. John Jezior shines as Don Armado, a hilariously lovelorn Spaniard.”