Shakespeare Festival Returns To West Hartford's USJ July 10

University of Saint Joseph

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Tickets are on sale now for a long-anticipated program dominating the local arts scene, the annual "Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival" at the University of Saint Joseph.

Every July, audiences visit the USJ campus (1678 Asylum Ave.), setting up chairs and spreading out blankets and picnics in the sunken garden between Lynch Hall and Bruyette Athenaeum for outdoor performances of Shakespeare classics as presented by the Capital Classics Theatre Co.

This summer, to mark the 20th anniversary of this partnership between USJ and Capital Classics, the Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival will feature two full-length Shakespeare productions— "Hamlet" and "The Taming of the Shrew."

From July 10 through Aug. 4, 10 rotating performances of each production will run Wednesday through Sunday night.

USJ has dubbed the series "Shakespeare Under The Stars."

“Shakespeare Under The Stars on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph has been an annual tradition for friends and families of all ages in Greater Hartford for 20 years,” said Herb Emanuelson, president and marketing director of Capital Classics.

“Our loyal attendees love the beautiful campus; the convenient location; the free, safe, and well-lit parking; clean restrooms; access to the air-conditioned theater if it rains; and adjacent art museum,” he said. “Our staff and cast love the supporting staff at the theater and all USJ. It is a space to call their own during the rehearsal process and run of the production.”

This season, additional entertainment will be provided before each Shakespeare production including performances by USJ’s Dance Team directed by Susan Murphy, assistant professor of dance at USJ.

Other entertainment will include a barbershop quartet, and the Elizabethan Consort, a group that combines song with playful antics.

With the larger audiences expected this summer, the festival will use amplification for the first time to reach every audience member.

Tickets are $25 for general admission for one show and $20 if attending multiple shows. Discounts apply to senior citizens, military personnel, students, and groups. Children 11 and under are free.

For more information and to purchase tickets, click on this link.

For more information on the history of the event and this year's festival, click on this link.