Fri. July 27

 “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” is part of summer and a part of Boston. Shakespeare's play runs July 23-29 on the Boston Common. Which is lovely, of course. There is, however, a smaller (also free) production of the same play – with minimal sets and costumes, and featuring 23 students from Dorchester’s Codman Academy Charter School – which happen Friday July 27 at 7:30 pm at the Calderwood Pavilion at the Boston Center for the Arts in the South End. This collaboration between the area’s largest non-profit theatre company - the Huntington - and one of the city’s most innovative charter schools is designed not only as a theatrical experience, but also as a way to keep urban teens from succumbing to dangerous summertime activities and street violence. Huntington Associate Director of Education Lynne Johnson adapted the play and directs the 90-minute performance. (The photo is from last year's show.)

527 Tremont St., 617-266-0800 www.huntingtontheatre.org