Following the story of a ruthless race to power and the desire for a male heir, this history play presents a monarch facing a series of struggles and crises. King Henry VIII is wrestling with his legacy of not having a male heir, and this flows directly from his concern that God is punishing the king for having married his brother’s widow, Katherine. He listens too closely to his duplicitous adviser, Cardinal Wolsey, who may have his own interest at heart, while the honorable Duke Buckingham is convicted of treason. Through a series of events, Henry––and the kingdom––are in a historic crisis that will forever change the direction of the empire.

EPSG:4326

Henry VIII

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

The bold, spirited, and headstrong Katherina is deemed unworthy of marriage while suitors pursue her younger sister Bianca. Their father refuses to let his younger daughter marry until an appropriate match is made for the elder, which Petruchio accepts as a challenge. However, Katherina will not be tamed so easily. Their dastardly deeds and heated battles hurl this comedy toward its end. And in Petruchio’s journey to make Katherina a compliant and obedient bride, they both learn more about what being an equal partner really means.

The Taming of the Shrew

King Leontes’s jealousy and rage sparks the action in this beloved Shakespearean romance. Driven by nothing but his own unfounded suspicions, Leontes falsely accuses his wife Hermione of infidelity with his closest friend and dire consequences follow. Focusing on themes of betrayal, loss, and forgiveness, this play winds toward love and redemption to make it one of the Bard’s most beautiful and satisfying plays.

The Winter's Tale

Meet Beatrice and Benedick, two people who are the perfect romantic match. So, of course, they hate each other. Their battle of words and wits presents Shakespeare’s best verbal battles-of-the-sexes sparring while everyone around them conspire to join these two in romance. Meanwhile, Beatrice’s cousin Hero is happily in love with Claudio, so of course, a plot by the malcontent Don Juan causes trouble for the pair. How will the mishaps, mistakes, and misunderstandings resolve for love to be discovered and endure?

Much Ado About Nothing

Southern Utah University

This humorous play follows an innocent man accused of a crime who must clear his name. Richard Hannay finds himself entwined with Annabella Schmidt, a spy. The next day, he wakes to find her dead. The farce careens from place to place and muddle to mess. Not only is the story a fast-paced “whodunit” comedy with only four actors––balancing suspense, nonstop comedy, and a little splash of romance––it is a highly stylized theatrical romp that leaves you laughing and amazed.

The 39 Steps

The play follows the true story of 19th Century astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. Working at Harvard University with Dr. Edward Pickering, her scientific breakthrough profoundly impacts astronomy forever, even as she is torn between responsibilities to her family and to her own soaring thoughts and ambitions. Silent Sky is a celebration of science, female achievement, family, and music that shows how one woman’s determination forever altered the course of scientific history.

Silent Sky

Taking place on the last night of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,’s life, The Mountaintop transports audience members to the Lorraine Motel where King confronts his mortality and legacy. As he prepares his speech for the following day, King orders a cup of coffee, and the woman who arrives brings more than just that. Although fictional, this witty, magical, and poetic play propels the audience to better understand the human behind one of America’s best known leaders.

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Jun 17 - Sep 5, 2024

Henry VIII

Jun 17 - Sep 7, 2024

The Taming of the Shrew

Jun 18 - Sep 6, 2024

The Winter's Tale

Jun 21 - Oct 5, 2024

Much Ado About Nothing

Jun 22 - Oct 5, 2024

The 39 Steps

Utah Shakespeare Festival

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