The Illinois Shakespeare Festival's 2026 Season
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The Two Gentlemen of Verona
by William Shakespeare
Directed by Danielle Roos
“Oh heaven, were man but constant he were perfect.”
Four young people embark on an Italian journey of love, friendship, and betrayal in one of Shakespeare’s most enjoyable comedies. This play features the Bard’s most beloved canine character—Crab the Dog—along with a couple zany clowns and an unforgettable ending.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preview:
Wednesday, June 24Performances:
Saturday, June 27 (Opening)
Sunday, June 28Saturday, July 11
Thursday, July 16
Sunday, July 19
Tuesday, July 21
Friday, July 24
Wednesday, July 29Saturday, August 1 (Closing)
Ewing Theatre
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Romeo and Juliet
by William Shakespeare
Directed by María Amenábar Farias“I defy you, stars!”
Two “star crossed lovers” in Verona put everything on the line to be together. Their colorful romance defies conformity and re-ignites an ancient family feud in Shakespeare’s thrilling and iconic tragedy.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preview:
Thursday, June 25Performances:
Friday, June 26 (Opening)Sunday, July 12
Tuesday, July 14
Friday, July 17
Thursday, July 23
Sunday, July 26
Tuesday, July 28
Friday, July 31 (Closing)Ewing Theatre
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Our Town
by Thornton Wilder
Directed by Lori Adams
“Oh earth, you’re too wonderful for anyone to realize you.”
For the first time in Illinois Shakespeare Festival history, this Pulitzer Prize winning American classic will take the stage at Ewing. Set in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners, Our Town looks at the ordinary moments of life in the most extraordinary way.
All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.
Preview:
Thursday, July 9Performances:
Friday, July 10 (Opening)
Wednesday, July 15
Saturday, July 18
Wednesday, July 22
Saturday, July 25
Thursday, July 30Ewing Theatre
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Theatre for Young Audiences (TYA)
Get, Set, Romeo and Juliet!
by Nancy Steele Brokaw
Directed by Lori Adams
This 40-minute romp through one of Shakespeare's most beloved plays is for the young and young-at-heart. Mystery! Sword fights! Romance! And what about decisions? Are they set by the stars or can we stop and think…and even change our minds?
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, June 25 (Opening)
Saturday, June 27Thursday, July 2
Thursday, July 9
Saturday, July 11
Thursday, July 16
Saturday, July 18
Thursday, July 23
Saturday, July 25
Thursday, July 30Saturday, August 1 (Closing)
Ewing Cultural Center Grounds
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Robert Quinlan, Artistic Director
Ann Haugo, Producer
Allie Nicholson, Production Manager
Natasha Warloe, Personnel and Communications Manager
Marty Lynch, Budget Manager