The stage is set for an unforgettable summer in Cedar City as the Utah Shakespeare Festival launches its 65th anniversary season, celebrating more than six decades of world-class theater, community traditions, and unforgettable storytelling.
The anniversary festivities begin Friday, June 26, with an all-day street fair featuring local vendors, live music, interactive museum exhibits, and special activities that complement the Festival’s opening productions. The celebration marks a milestone for one of Southern Utah’s most recognizable cultural institutions and invites audiences to experience the energy of live theater in a season packed with classics, comedies, musicals, and contemporary works.
The 2026 season features eight productions. Shakespeare fans can experience the psychological intensity of Hamlet, the romantic confusion of Twelfth Night, and the tragic conflict of Troilus and Cressida. Audiences looking for laughter and spectacle can enjoy the musical comedy Something Rotten!, the fast-paced farce See How They Run, and the beloved romantic musical She Loves Me, based on the story that inspired You’ve Got Mail. Rounding out the season are Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the contemporary comedy The Book Club Play.
For many visitors, the Festival experience extends far beyond the stage. Complimentary play orientations offered before performances help audiences understand key themes, characters, and storylines. The Greenshow brings music, dance, and comedy to the outdoor stage before evening performances, while backstage tours and Repertory Magic presentations offer a behind-the-scenes look at the artistry and technical expertise that bring each production to life.
One of the advantages of having a nationally recognized theater festival in Southern Utah is the opportunity for local residents to attend at a significant discount. Residents of Iron, Beaver, Washington, Kane, Garfield, Piute, and Lincoln counties may purchase same-day tickets to Utah Shakespeare Festival productions at 50 percent off. Restrictions apply, and proof of residency may be required.
As the Festival celebrates 65 years of performance, education, and community engagement, organizers invite audiences to become part of the tradition. Whether attending for the first time or returning as a longtime patron, this season offers an opportunity to experience live theater at its finest.
For tickets, performance schedules, and additional information, visit bard.org or call 800-PLAYTIX.
