Free Summer Shakespeare in Suffern: Two Comedies, One Great Season

The award-winning Rockland Shakespeare Company returns for its 28th summer season, bringing their unique twist on two William Shakespeare comedies: The Taming of the Shrew and The Merry Wives of Windsor.

This year’s performances will be indoors and run from July 11–20 at Rockland Community College’s (RCC) Cultural Arts Theater, located at 145 College Road in Suffern. Audiences will be seated “in the round,” right on stage with the actors, creating an intimate, up-close experience. All performances begin at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. Seating is limited and on a first-come, first-serve basis. As always, performances are free and open to the public.

The Merry Wives of Windsor will be performed on Friday, July 11; Sunday, July 13; and Saturday, July 19. The Taming of the Shrew will be performed on Saturday, July 12; Friday, July 18; and Sunday, July 20.

Founded in 1998 by Patty Maloney-Titland and Christopher Plummer as part of a cross-departmental Year of Shakespeare at RCC, the Rockland Shakespeare Company was established to make Shakespeare’s plays accessible to the local community at no cost. What began as a small group of dedicated actors, directors and theater enthusiasts is now Rockland County’s oldest and longest-standing Shakespeare company—and a cherished summer tradition.

“Our 28th season is both a celebration of Shakespeare and of the Rockland County Community who has supported us for nearly three decades,” said Christopher Plummer, Co-Founder/Co-Artistic-Director of the Rockland Shakespeare Company, and Director of the RCC Cultural Arts Theater. “We’re thrilled to once again share our passion for Shakespeare with our audience.”

For more information, please visit the Rockland Shakespeare Company Facebook page, or contact the RCC Visual and Performing Arts Department at 845-574-4471.

About Rockland Community College’s Visual & Performance Arts Department

The Rockland Community College Visual and Performing Arts program offers students a rich foundation in creativity, self-expression, and communication through courses in music, theater, dance, cinema, and film studies. The program emphasizes career readiness and transfer opportunities, ensuring graduates are equipped to meet workforce demands in entertainment, education, and related fields. For more information, please visit https://sunyrockland.edu/programs/visual-and-performing-arts/.

About Rockland Community College, State University of New York

Founded in 1959, Rockland Community College (RCC) provides students with a high-quality education that is both affordable and accessible. The College offers 35 degree and 3 certificate programs, and a faculty that includes Fulbright scholars and SUNY Distinguished Professors. In addition to its main campus in Suffern, RCC operates a Hospitality and Culinary Arts Center in Nyack, and its Automotive Technology Center in Orangeburg. For more information about RCC, please visit sunyrockland.edu.