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Illinois Shakespeare Festival
Please visit the shows page to find out what is showing this season.

2012 Season

Runs June 28 — August 11

Celebrating our 35th Season! See show descriptions below.

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A season of love, lies, deceit, and secret identities!

As You Like It, by William Shakespeare

Shakespeare’s most joyous play about love and life!  When Rosalind is exiled from her uncle’s court, she disguises herself as a boy named Ganymede and heads for the magical Forest of Arden.  There, she finds a world of eccentric exiles and comical rustics.  She also finds Orlando - who under the guidance of Ganymede will learn to woo Rosalind.

Othello, by William Shakespeare

Othello is at the top of his game: victorious in war and showered with honors.  When his marriage to an extraordinary young woman meets with her father’s condemnation, the evil Iago seizes the opportunity for revenge. Jealousy, deception, and intrigue mark this story of a decorated general driven to the extremes of rage by Shakespeare’s most perfect villain.

The Rivals, by Richard Brinsley Sheridan

When the word mangling Mrs. Malaprop threatens to marry her niece to the highly “illegible” Captain Jack Absolute, the young girl rebels.  Having read one too many romance novels, Miss Lydia Languish is intent on marrying the poor but handsome ensign who’s been courting her.  The captain may have no choice but to challenge the ensign to a duel – even though he and his rival are one and the same person.  One of the funniest plays in the English language!

Comedy of Errors, by William Shakespeare

Two pairs of identical twins separated at birth – each pair sharing the same names!   When one pair stumbles unknowingly into the hometown of the other pair, confusion and mayhem follow!  Shakespeare’s silliest comedy is also the heart-warming story of families reuniting under the most unusual circumstances. 

 

Ticket Sales

Tickets are on sale now.

Gift certificates are available now!! Make someone's birthday or holiday a special one this year! Call the Box Office at (309) 438-2535.

 

Let us share Festival updates, highlights, and special offers with you through our Facebook page.

Watch the 2012 Season Unfold!

Want to learn about the behind-the-scenes artistic development of our 2012 season? Find out who's who and what's what...Check out the blog of artistic director Deb Alley, or follow us on Twitter (IllinoisShakes) or Facebook.

 

Be part of the 70%

Only 30% of the Festival's income comes from ticket sales. We rely on YOU and other sources to make the Festival possible. Make your tax-deductible contribution through the Festival Society.

YOUR contribution allows us to hire professional actors, directors, and artisans so that the Festival can continue to bring professional Shakespearen theatre to the region.

In addition, YOUR assistance enables the Festival to tour regional schools and to put on free performances - introducing new generations to the theatre arts and Shakespeare.

Become a part of the Festival by joining the Illinois Shakespeare Festival Society! Some benefits of membership include:

  • Personal check-in and full concierge services
  • Preferential parking
  • 100% tax deductible
  • Program recognition
  • Advance ticketing starting in January

For a full list of benefits or to become a member please visit our membership page.

Illinois State University

shake@IllinoisState.edu
Illinois Shakespeare Festival
Normal, IL 61790-5700
Phone: (309) 438-8974

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