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 25

  Performances:
  Thursday, June 26

  Saturday, July 5
  Sunday, July 13
  Thursday, July 17
  Sunday, July 20
  Tuesday, July 22
  Friday, July 25
  Tuesday, July 29

  Friday, August 1

  Ewing Theatre

• 

  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 27

  Performances:
  Saturday, June 28

  Sunday, July 6
  Wednesday, July 16
  Saturday, July 19
  Wednesday, July 23
  Saturday, July 26
  Wednesday, July 30

  Saturday, August 2

  Ewing Theatre

• 

  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 11

  Performances:
  Saturday, July 12
  Tuesday, July 15
  Friday, July 18
  Thursday, July 24
  Sunday, July 27
  Thursday, July 31

  Ewing Theatre

• 

  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 31

  Saturday, 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
  Marty Lynch, Budget Manager