Virginia Shakespeare Festival

In 1753, the Hallam troupe, having broken with London's New Wells Theatre, arrived in Williamsburg to present The Merchant of Venice, the first professional production of Shakespeare in the New World.

In 2008 the Virginia Shakespeare Festival celebrates its 30th annual season. We invite you to join us in this venerable tradition of the Bard in the 'Burg.

 

2008 Performance Season
June 25 to July 6
The Taming of the Shrew
by William Shakespeare

What's a father to do when he's sworn that his youngest daughter cannot marry until her elder sister is wed (and no one dares woo the fiery Katherine)? Enter the brave Petruchio and let the fireworks begin, as one of dramatic history's most volatile (and fun) couples square off for a knock-down drag out fight to see who will rule this roost.

July 11 to 20
Othello
by William Shakespeare

One of his greatest tragedies, driven by perhaps his greatest villain as Iago sets to undo "the Moor," his commander and seeming friend. Characters of great depth and complexity people this mature work of the Bard where a web of deceipt is woven around the great love match of Othello and Desdemona.

July 24 to August 3
The Complete History of America Abridged
by Adam Long, Reed Martin, & Austin Tichenor

Following the tremendous success of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged three years ago, the "crazy Shakespeare guys" as you came to call them are back with another evening of inspired lunacy as they skewer everything you've come to know about the five hundred year history of our country.

"Not only do they know how to give American history an irreverent boost, they actually turn it into something accessible and alive." —Pamela Sommers, The Washington Post

November 2, 7:30 pm
The Song Remembers When - A musical revue
Starring Tony Award & Golden Globe winner Linda Lavin
This "party" of a show is a funny, warm, and spontaneous trip through Ms. Lavin's distinguished life and career, including songs from her Broadway musical roles as well as standards and material by such varied composers as Antonio Carlos Jobim and Steely Dan. Featured with her in the show is famous New York cabaret singer and pianist Billy Stritch, who has performed alongside Liza Minnelli in her concerts and television specials and in the most recent Broadway revival of 42nd Street. Backed by a jazz trio, the performers bring something for everyone – including a surprising instrumental performance at one point by Ms. Lavin. 

Liz Smith of the New York Post exclaims about the show “You’ll be sorry if you miss Lavin’s bravura Diva performance. She is spectacular!”

Follow links on this site for detailed information about the 2008 performance schedule and ticket information.
To purchase tickets yourself via the web - click here - if purchasing season tickets, simply reserve adult tickets at standard price for all three show, the season discount will be applied automatically at checkout. Please note that our ticketing system only accepts Mastercard or VISA for purchases.