Image courtesy of Gamut Theatre
Gather your picnic blanket, favorite snacks and best friends—Free Shakespeare in the Park is back for its 33rd year.
Since their first production in 1994, the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company has had one mission—to bring the magic of Shakespeare to the heart of Harrisburg, for free. In 2026, that mission is being fulfilled in a fearlessly joyful production of “As You Like It.”
“As You Like It” is a fast-paced comedy known for its witty dialogue, ridiculous clowns and quirky love stories. Follow the journey of friends and lovers escaping from the harsh, tyrannical court to the rustic, inclusive Forest of Arden. As the title of this column teases, this production boldly proclaims that “everyone is welcome in Arden.” Yes, that means you. You are welcome in Arden, and you are welcome at the park.
Having already produced the show multiple times, the Harrisburg Shakespeare Company thought it had seen all there was to see with “As You Like It” until two individuals, with gusto to spare, proposed a fresh, modern take on the Shakespeare classic. Kim Greenawalt and Emily MacLeod, co-directors, are thrilled to share their concept for this show with audiences.
“‘As You Like It’ is the most inclusive play in [Shakespeare’s] canon,” said Greenawalt, expressing her desire to promote radical inclusivity in the show.
Greenawalt and MacLeod’s version of “As You Like It” takes place in a post-apocalyptic, low-tech world where humans either struggle for power in the court or rally together in community in the Forest of Arden. In this production, you’ll experience live song and dance, hilarious clowning, and costumes reminiscent of popular dystopian worlds. The directors drew inspiration from “The Hunger Games,” “Station 11” and other dystopian fiction when developing the concept of this production.
By nodding to these familiar stories, Greenawalt and MacLeod emphasize the importance of community. Similar to many dystopian worlds, “As You Like It” is about a community coming together in joy despite harsh living conditions and governmental oppression.
These directors found that one of the most impactful forms of resistance is joy. So, get ready for music inspired by bluegrass, country and Appalachian folk. Noah Smull, sound designer, composed multiple original tunes to Shakespeare’s lyrics. Company members also collaborated on musical and dance numbers.
“As You Like It” makes us ask, “How can we imagine and create a better world for each other?” MacLeod said.
One way that Greenawalt, MacLeod and the entire company imagine our world becoming a little bit better is by making stories of love, friendship and inclusion accessible to all. We make our world better through the playing of music, the telling of stories, and the making of memories.
“There is nothing more human than sitting on a hillside watching Shakespeare,” MacLeod said.
So, if you want to enjoy a night of community and joy, gather your loved ones and join us at the park. Because, just as everyone is welcome in Arden, everyone is welcome at the park.
“As You Like It” runs June 5 to 20 at the bandshell in Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, with shows Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Shakespeare in the Park is always free. Gamut Theatre recommends that patrons bring a chair or blanket for seating, remember sunscreen and bug spray, and arrive early to claim a great spot. For more information, visit www.gamuttheatre.org/fsip.
UPCOMING EVENTS
At Gamut Theatre
www.gamuttheatre.org
717-238-4111
33rd Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park
“As You Like It”
June 5 to 20, Wednesdays to Saturdays
Reservoir Park, Harrisburg, 7:30 p.m.
TMI Improv Comedy Show
Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
At Open Stage
www.openstagehbg.com
717-232-6736
“The Boys in the Band”
A searing and honest look at friendship and identity
Continues thru June 13
BaRPG
Fantasy meets fun in this live tabletop show
Thursday, June 11 at 7:30 p.m.
Court Street Cabaret
Last cabaret of the season
Sunday, June 14 at 6 p.m.
“The Colored Museum”
Back by popular demand
A partnership with Sankofa
June 18 to 21
EFF Live!
Season finale of the fanfic series
Saturday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Open Stage Gala 2026
An evening of celebration and community support
Sunday, June 28, King Mansion
OSHKids Summer: Shrek KIDS
The beloved green ogre sings and dances his way onstage
June 25 to 27
If you like what we do, please support our work. Become a Friend of TheBurg!
