The Utah Shakespeare Festival opens this week, June 21, and will run until October 7. For a full calendar view, visit bard.org/calendar.
Let’s dive into what’s on this season, as well as what Festival actors are returning:
Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet is Shakespeare’s most romantic and well-known tale of “star-cross’d lovers.” Returning Festival actors in the lead cast include: Cassandra Bissell as Lady Capulet, Ty Fanning as Romeo, Tim Fullerton as Capulet, and Gilberto Saenz as Tybalt.
(Karl Hugh | Utah Shakespeare Festival, sponsored) Max Gallagher as Puck in the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 2023 production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
A Midsummer Night’s Dream is Shakespeare’s luxurious tale of fairies, dreams, and moonlight. Returning Festival actors in the lead cast include Cassandra Bissell as Hippolyta/Titania, Ty Fanning as Demetrius, and Corey Jones as Theseus/Oberon.
(Karl Hugh | Utah Shakespeare Festival, sponsored) Returning Festival actors include: Corey Jones as Walter Younger and Monique Gaffney as Lena Younger.
A Raisin in the Sun
A Raisin in the Sun is a theatrical masterpiece that breaks down racial barriers. Returning Festival actors include: Corey Jones as Walter Younger and Monique Gaffney as Lena Younger.
(Karl Hugh | Utah Shakespeare Festival, sponsored) Rhett Guter (left) as Mr. Knightley and Allie Babich as Emma, in the Utah Shakespeare Festival's 2023 production of Jane Austen's Emma the Musical.
Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical
This is Austen’s enduring love story featuring an imperfect, but loveable, main character. Returning Festival actors in the lead cast include: Allie Babich as Emma, Laura Brennan as Harriet, Rhett Guter as Mr. Knightley, Chris Mixon as Mr. Woodhouse, Melinda Parrett as Miss Bates, and Jim Poulos as Mr. Elton.
The Play That Goes Wrong
The Play That Goes Wrong is a comedic and ill-fated play-within-a-play. Returning Festival actors include: Nazlah Black as Sandra, Laura Brennan as Stage Hand, Rhett Guter as Chris, Chris Mixon as Dennis, Melinda Parrett as Annie, and Jim Poulos as Max.
Timon of Athens
Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens explores friendship, wealth, and the foibles of a materialistic society. Returning Festival actors include: Elijah Alexander as Timon, Anastasha Blakely as Isadore/Poet, Jasmine Bracey as Lucullus/Caphis, Darin F. Earl II as Varro/Painter, Nell Geisslinger as Apemantus, and Jeremy Thompson as Ventidius/Factotumus/Soldier.
Coriolanus
Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s rarely-produced plays that focuses on themes of ambition, family, love, and power. Returning Festival actors include: Elijah Alexander as Aufidius/Roman Citizen, Anastasha Blakely as Valeria/Roman Citizen, Jasmine Bracey as Menenius Agrippa/Roman Citizen, Darin F. Earl II as Sicinius Veletus, Roman Citizen, Nell Geisslinger as Junius Brutus/Roman Citizen, and Jeremy Thompson as Titus Lartius/Roman Citizen.
Use code SLTrib23 for $10 off regular price tickets– subject to availability. For more information or to purchase tickets for the 2023 season, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.