The Illinois Shakespeare Festival's 2025 Season
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A Midsummer Night’s Dream
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Kim McKean
“The course of true love never did run smooth."
Fairies conjure magic and cast spells on unwitting humans as they attempt to navigate love and rehearse a play in the woods outside Athens. Overflowing with humor and magic, this play is a celebration of theatre, love, and life.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preview
Wednesday, June 25Performances:
Thursday, June 26Saturday, July 5
Sunday, July 13
Thursday, July 17
Friday, July 20
Tuesday, July 22
Friday, July 25
Tuesday, July 29Friday, August 1
Ewing Theatre
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The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
Directed by Robert Quinlan
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.”
Widely regarded as one of the funniest plays ever written, Wilde's comedy of manners lampoons British high society while showcasing a bevy of witty characters as they attempt to unravel the identity of a mysterious man named “Earnest.”
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preview:
Friday, June 27Performances:
Saturday, June 28Sunday, July 6
Wednesday, July 16
Saturday, July 19
Wednesday, July 23
Saturday, July 26
Wednesday, July 30Saturday, August 2
Ewing Theatre
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Hamlet
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Vanessa Stalling
“There is a special providence in the fall of a sparrow.”
Prince Hamlet seeks the truth about his father’s death and ghostly appearance while embarking on a quest to discover his purpose in Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preview:
Friday, July 11Performances:
Saturday, July 12
Tuesday, July 15
Friday, July 18
Thursday, July 24
Sunday, July 27
Thursday, July 31Ewing Theatre
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Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA)
Who’s There?!?
by Nancy Steele Brokaw
Directed by Lori Adams
What happens when Hamlet wanders into A Midsummer Night’s Dream? Puckish mischief? Downright skullduggery? Please Join us for a 40-minute romp as we explore these famous plays. We will need your help to tell our tale. Hear real Shakespeare words, but not too many.
Illinois Shakespeare Festival’s TYA show is perfect for the whole family. Everyone is welcome, and admission is free!
All shows begin at 10 a.m.
Performances:
Thursday, July 3
Saturday, July 5
Thursday, July 10
Saturday, July 12
Thursday, July 17
Saturday, July 19
Thursday, July 24
Saturday, July 26
Thursday, July 31Saturday, August 2
Ewing Cultural Center Grounds
Traveling performances will be announced at a later date. -
Robert Quinlan, Artistic Director
Ann Haugo, Producer
Derek R. Munson, Managing Director
Allie Nicholson, Production Manager
Natasha Warloe, Personnel and Communications Manager