Hudson Valley Shakespeare: As You Like It

Hudson Valley Shakespeare performs As You Like It on the grounds of Boscobel House and Gardens in Garrison from June 10 through September 18, staging Shakespeare’s romantic comedy under open skies with the Hudson Highlands rising behind the actors. Performances run Tuesday through Sunday evenings, with curtain times at 7:30 p.m. in June and July, shifting to 7 p.m. by late August and September as daylight shortens. Tickets range from $40 to $75 depending on seating section, with lawn seats (bring your own blanket or low chair) offering the most budget-friendly option. The outdoor theater sits on Boscobel’s 68-acre estate, a Federal-period mansion built in 1808 overlooking the Hudson River at its narrowest point before the gorge widens toward West Point.

Hudson Valley Shakespeare has been staging outdoor productions since 1987, building a reputation for accessible, energetic interpretations that appeal to Shakespeare veterans and first-timers alike. As You Like It, one of the Bard’s most beloved comedies, follows Rosalind as she flees court for the Forest of Arden, where disguises, wordplay, and romantic confusion unfold under the stars. Recent productions have featured live music, period costumes, and physical comedy that translates well to the open-air setting. The theater’s hillside location provides natural acoustics, and performances continue in light rain, so bring ponchos or rain gear if the forecast looks iffy. Intermission is typically 15 minutes, with wine, beer, and snacks available for purchase at the concession tent.

Gates open 90 minutes before curtain, giving you time to picnic on the lawn before the show. Boscobel encourages pre-show picnics, and many patrons bring spreads of cheese, bread, wine, and fruit to enjoy while watching the sunset over the Hudson Highlands. June and July weather is typically in the 70s and 80s by showtime, cooling to the 60s as the performance progresses, so bring layers and blankets for warmth. August and September bring cooler evenings and occasional mosquitoes, so pack bug spray. Parking is free in Boscobel’s designated lot, a short walk from the theater lawn, and the venue is accessible with advance notice for guests needing mobility accommodations.

Turn As You Like It into a Hudson Highlands weekend by booking a rental on Lake.com in Cold Spring, Garrison, or Beacon, ideally with river views to extend the theatrical experience. Before the show, explore Boscobel’s mansion and formal gardens (tickets separate from theater admission), or hike the nearby Osborn Loop Trail for 3.5 miles of Hudson River overlooks. After the performance, head to Cold Spring’s Main Street for a late dinner at Riverview (established 2003) or Hudson Hil’s Cafe & Market (1997), both offering farm-to-table menus within a 10-minute drive of Boscobel. Hudson Valley Shakespeare’s As You Like It combines literary culture, natural beauty, and summer evenings in a setting that’s been drawing theater lovers to the river’s edge for nearly four decades.