Listen to the words of Shakespeare on the lawn of a historic mansion overlooking the Hudson River. Chortle at a political satire created for “nerds, outcasts, and mad experimenters of theater.” Climb the stairs to a rooftop show and bob your head to the rhythm of Ky-Mani Marley. Plan a quick escape to one of these five theater shows near NYC that draw back the curtains at half the price of Broadway come summer.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival | Garrison
Berkshire Theatre Group | Stockbridge, MA
The Brick | Brooklyn
Brooklyn Academy of Music | Brooklyn
The Gallery Players | Brooklyn

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival | Garrison

Take a millisecond Metro-North ride to see at least one of the three plays being performed by the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival this summer. Bring a bottle of wine and a picnic or buy one of the pre-made gourmet options to enjoy before the show or during intermission in the breathtaking backyard at Boscobel Mansion. This HVSF season features: Love's Labour's Lost, Romeo and Juliet and The 39 Steps. Tickets range from $27-$52 and discounts are provided for students, seniors and children.

Berkshire Theatre Group | Stockbridge, MA

See one of a dozen live theater and music events during the Berkshire Theatre Group's summer season. Located at five different theaters in the Stockbridge, Pittsfield, and Lenox areas, the Berkshire Theatre Group's award winning productions of classics and contemporary pieces are worth the trip. Tickets range from $20 to $75 depending on the venue and event.

The Brick | Brooklyn

Get thee to The Brick for an unconventional theater experience. Every summer, The Brick produces The Summer Theme Festival Series. This year's theme...Democracy. Catch any one of ten politically-heated performances (May 31-July 1) or buy tickets to The Brick's fourth annual Game Play fest from July 6-28. $7-$15

Brooklyn Academy of Music | Brooklyn

BAM celebrates its 150th year with a smashing lineup of live theater, cinema, music, dance, art, and lectures. Get a taste of BAMcinemaFest, Next Wave Festival, and R&B Festival if you can.

The Gallery Players | Brooklyn

Looking to see quality theater without having to forgo food for a day? The Gallery Players is an award-winning theater company located in Park Slope. Mark your calendars for the 15th Annual Black Box New Play Festival (until June 24th) or Othello (July 19th-August 5th). Tickets are $18 for adults and $14 for children twelve and under and seniors.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival | Garrison thumbnailBerkshire Theatre Group | Stockbridge, MA thumbnailThe Brick | Brooklyn thumbnail Brooklyn Academy of Music | Brooklyn thumbnail The Gallery Players | Brooklyn thumbnail
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Photos courtesy of respective theaters.