Discover the Top Summer Festival Plays Worth Planning Your Trip Around
As the summer months approach, theater enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the start of the annual summer festival season. From classic Shakespearean plays to cutting-edge new works, there is no shortage of exciting performances to choose from. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a casual fan looking for a unique cultural experience, these top summer festival plays are definitely worth planning your trip around.
Shakespeare in the Park: A Timeless Tradition
One of the most beloved summer festival traditions is Shakespeare in the Park, where audiences can enjoy the Bard’s timeless works in the great outdoors. From New York City’s iconic Delacorte Theater in Central Park to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, there are countless opportunities to experience the magic of Shakespeare under the stars.
This year, the Delacorte Theater will be showcasing a production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by renowned theater director Julie Taymor. Known for her visually stunning and innovative productions, Taymor’s take on this classic comedy is sure to be a highlight of the summer festival season. Meanwhile, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival will be presenting a diverse lineup of Shakespearean plays, including “Macbeth,” “Twelfth Night,” and “The Tempest,” ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Intimate Stages: New Works and Emerging Voices
For those looking to discover exciting new works and emerging voices in the theater world, summer festivals offer a unique opportunity to see cutting-edge performances in intimate settings. From small black box theaters to outdoor pop-up stages, these venues provide a more immersive and interactive experience for audiences.
One festival to watch out for this summer is the Humana Festival of New American Plays in Louisville, Kentucky. Known for showcasing groundbreaking new works by emerging playwrights, this festival is a must-see for anyone interested in the future of American theater. With a lineup that includes plays like “The Thin Place” by Lucas Hnath and “Do You Feel Anger?” by Mara Nelson-Greenberg, audiences can expect to be challenged and inspired by the bold and innovative storytelling on display.
Regional Repertories: Bucolic Settings and Diverse Programming
In addition to Shakespeare in the Park and intimate stage productions, many summer festivals take place in picturesque regional settings, offering audiences a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the beauty of the natural world. From the mountains of Colorado to the vineyards of California, these festivals provide a unique opportunity to experience theater in a truly magical setting.
One such festival is the Colorado Shakespeare Festival in Boulder, which takes place on the stunning campus of the University of Colorado. With a diverse lineup of plays that includes classics like “Romeo and Juliet” and “The Taming of the Shrew,” as well as contemporary works like “The Book of Will” by Lauren Gunderson, this festival offers something for everyone to enjoy. Plus, with its breathtaking mountain backdrop and outdoor amphitheater, audiences can expect a truly unforgettable theatrical experience.
Conclusion: What’s Your Summer Festival Play Pick?
As the summer festival season approaches, theater lovers are faced with a tantalizing array of options to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of Shakespearean classics, cutting-edge new works, or immersive regional productions, there is something for everyone to enjoy this summer. So, what’s your pick for the top summer festival play worth planning your trip around? Let us know in the comments below and start counting down the days until curtain call.