The Illinois Shakespeare Festival has announced its 2026 season, featuring two Shakespeare plays and, for the first time, an American classic.
Season tickets are on sale now, with this season marking the second year under artistic director Robert Quinlan.
Headlining the festival are Romeo and Juliet, The Two Gentlemen of Verona and the American classic and Pulitzer Prize-winning Our Town. Sticking to its tradition of two Shakespeare plays and one non-traditional work, it marks the first time ISF will produce an American show.
The story of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, will be directed by Illinois State University alumna and Milwaukee Repertory Theater producer María Amenábar Farias. Previews are slated for 7:30 p.m. June 25.
As for the comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Texas State University theater professor Danielle Roos will direct the Italian-set classic. Previews begin at 7:30 p.m. June 24.
Last but not least, Our Town by Thornton Wilder will preview at 7:30 p.m. July 9 under the direction of Lori Adams, who served as head of acting at Illinois State University for nearly two decades.
Quinlan describes the lineup as a “journey to Italy and back to America.”
“I’m the grandson of Italian immigrants and grew up hearing stories about ‘the old country’ that would fire up my imagination,” Quinlan said. “Shakespeare likely never visited Italy, yet he imagined a vibrant world there where he set many of his most famous plays.”
The last time ISF staged Romeo and Juliet was in 2011. The Two Gentlemen of Verona has not been produced at the festival since 1983.
Marking the festival’s 49th season, a free show for young audiences will debut on the lawn. This year’s offering is Get, Set, Romeo and Juliet!, a 40-minute romp through the well-known story. It runs from June 25 through Aug. 1.
Additional programs include a ticketed season preview event at 6 p.m. May 19, where audience members can meet and interact with the cast. From June 28 through July 26, audiences also can attend “Bard Basics,” where Quinlan will break down each play.
Teen night will run July 17, followed by Pride night on July 17.
The three plays will run in repertory, with ticket prices starting at $78. Individual tickets go on sale April 28. Season tickets can be purchased through the box office by calling (309) 438-2535.
