By Marlo Ihler, Utah Shakespeare Festival

Officially opening last week, the Utah Shakespeare Festival is celebrating its 63rd season in Cedar City, offering an enriching and entertaining cultural experience that captivates audiences of all ages. The festival has become a cherished tradition for many theater lovers, families and newcomers alike. If you've never been, come and discover the magic this summer!

The programme of plays at the festival's three theatres includes Shakespeare's Henry VIII, The Winter's Tale, The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing, along with the hilarious comedy The 39 Steps, the moving and tender Silent Heaven and the inspirational The Top of the Mountain. The first five are open; the last two will open on 15 and 16 July respectively.

“The 2024 festival season will focus on historical figures and extraordinary characters,” says artistic director John DiAntonio. “This dynamic lineup of plays invites audiences to grapple with the question, 'Who can we trust?' In an age of endless possibilities, innovations and opinions, this is an important theme to explore.”
“Strong female characters are another theme this season,” comments Managing Director Michael Bahr. “Queen Catherine, Queen Hermione, 'Kate the Accursed' and Beatrice together embody some of Shakespeare's strongest women. But they are in no way inferior; the women from The 39 Steps, Silent Sky and The Mountaintop are all extraordinary too!”

In addition to the main stage productions, you can enjoy free family fun at the Greenshow every night Monday through Saturday at 7:10 p.m. This year's themes are Royals, featuring Queen Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots (before performances of Henry VIII), Folk Festival (before performances of The Winter's Tale) and Commedia (before performances of The Taming of the Shrew). These dynamic, family-friendly outdoor shows feature song, dance, storytelling, music and audience participation. Bring a blanket and stretch out on the lawn or settle into a bench for these lively 30-minute previews. Also, this season the festival welcomes the Paiute Tribe of Utah again with special Greenshow performances on July 8 and 23 and August 7 and 29.

What is affectionately known as the Festival Experience ensures that audience participation extends beyond the stage—and sometimes behind it. An extensive menu of seminars, orientations, backstage tours, repertory magic, classes, camps, and more are designed to increase visitors' understanding of Shakespeare and the works of other playwrights, as well as the process of repertory theater. Some are free, others have an admission price. Much of the Festival Experience is designed to demystify the Bard's language and themes, making his works accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of whether they have previously been exposed to Shakespeare.

In addition, there are ways for residents to save money when purchasing tickets (some restrictions apply):

● Local discount of 50% on day tickets, Monday to Saturday, subject to availability;
● Iron County Pass, which gives you eight tickets for the entire season for $200;
● Student Access Pass, which provides each student with one ticket per show for an unlimited number of shows for only $40.

For those looking to experience even more theatre, the festival is also hosting a new reading series in August called Words Cubed, which brings audiences and actors together with playwrights to experience and discuss their new works. Additionally, students from London's prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts (RADA) will present an abbreviated touring production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Anes Studio Theatre from 30 July to 3 August.

We invite you to experience the magic of the Utah Shakespeare Festival this season. Whether you are sharing the joy of Shakespeare with your family for the first time or rediscovering his genius or that of other playwrights, the Festival offers a welcoming, exciting and unforgettable experience for everyone. Get your tickets today at bard.org, by calling 800-PLAYTIX or at the ticket booth near the Bell Tower.