Spring 2021

Hamlet

Directed by: Matthew Simpson

Much Ado About Nothing

Directed by: Meaghan Simpson

The Texas Shakespeare Festival Roadshow is a traveling set of performances and workshops that come to your school or community. Call now to book a performance of Hamlet or Much Ado About Nothing and with it you'll receive: 

• an in-depth study guide about the play

• a four-week lesson plan to implement leading up to the performance

• an exercise and activity booklet to implement leading up to the performance ​

July 1st-July 31st

Written by: William Shakespeare

Directed by: Deb Alley

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"Wives may be merry...and yet honest too."

This comic romp, featuring the beloved character John Falstaff, takes you on a journey of courtship and the jealous havoc it wreaks.  When Falstaff attempts to seduce the wives of two wealthy men of Windsor using identical love letters he is discovered and much confusion ensues. Equal parts farce and true domestic comedy, The Merry Wives of Windsor will leave you feeling like Falstaff when he muses: “O powerful love, that in some respects makes a beast a man, in some other a man a beast.”

July 2nd-July 31st

Written by: Lauren Gunderson

Directed by: Michael Jenkinson
 

“No one can help the passing of time or friends.”

The year is 1620 and two of William Shakespeare’s dearest friends and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell, are mourning the loss of their beloved friend and playwright. Deeper than their mourning is a fear that Shakespeare’s plays will not be recorded accurately and completely. In an effort to honor their friend and reward future generations, they set about to publish a single bound volume of his works called the First Folio. This effort comes with tremendous challenges and incredible triumphs and many laughs and tears along the way. The commitment required to achieve this harrowing task reminds us all that when you believe in something, it is worth preserving. 

July 3rd-August 1st

Written by: William Shakespeare

Directed by: James Dean Palmer

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“From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, where civil blood makes civil hands unclean.”

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Two households. Young lovers. Bad timing. Feuding families. Rushed wedding. Missed messages. This romantic tragedy is one that we all know in our bones. It is the play that William Shakespeare is most famous for and the story that has been adapted and re-produced more than any of his plays. Although we know the outcome, the fast-paced race to get there makes for a thrilling ride of love, honor, and the unfortunate ending where children teach their parents what really matters in life.  

July 4th-August 1st

Book by: Marsha Norman

Music and Lyrics by: Jason Robert Brown

Directed by: Michael Jenkinson

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“It all fades away… but you.”

Based on Robert James Waller's 1992 novel, The Bridges of Madison County tells the story of the day a blue pick-up truck carrying National Geographic photographer Robert Kincaid rolls up to the home of Francesca Johnson. He is there to photograph the covered bridges, but his presence dramatically changes their lives. Featuring a sweepingly romantic Tony Award winning score, the music will move you deeply and stay with you long after you leave the theatre.  

July 21st-July 31st

Written by: Grace Abele & DJ Canaday

Directed by: Michael Jenkinson

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Deep in the forests of yesteryear
At the peak of Gnot-a-Hill,
Lie secrets and wondrous sights to behold
Which are certain to charm and thrill.
A play about playing and kidding and kids.
Adventure before your own eyes.
We’d be more specific ‘bout what it’s about,
But no, that would spoil the surprise.
There’s magic, and mayhem, and fun for all ages.
A legend with mysteries solved live on our stages.
All humans are welcome, from pauper to high born,
So, come see what’s happening inside the Van Cliburn!
We promise you laughter.
We promise good memories.
We assure you of zero distortions.
The best things in life are most often quite little,
Like pranksters of pint-sized proportions.