The Utah Shakespeare Festival has been selected as one of three theaters to present the United States premiere of the play “Shakespeare in Love,” adapted from the Academy Award-winning film of the same name by Lee Hall.
The USF will present the play during its 2017 season, along with “Romeo and Juliet” and an eclectic mix of Shakespearean and other classic plays. The balance of the 2017 season will be announced at a later date.
“Shakespeare in Love” is about young William Shakespeare who, out of ideas and short of cash, meets his ideal woman and is inspired to write one of his most famous plays, “Romeo and Juliet.” These complementary storylines have provided the impetus behind the USF producing these two plays in repertory in the Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre with a shared cast and set.
“Shakespeare in Love” and “Romeo and Juliet” will also share a set and many of the principal actors, adding even more synergy between the plays as they are both presented in the outdoor Engelstad Theatre.
“This is the perfect vehicle for the festival and continues our strong commitment to producing plays that serve our mission,” said artistic director David Ivers. “I am confident that audiences will love having access to ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and appreciate the festival being one of a handful of American theaters which have been granted the production rights in 2017.”
The production is based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and is adapted for the stage by Lee Hall. The play, which debuted in London’s West End in 2014, is presented by special arrangement with Disney Theatrical Productions and Sonia Friedman Productions.
“We are honored present one of the flagship premieres of this production. It speaks to the reputation of the Utah Shakespeare Festival in the international theater community,” said artistic director Brian Vaughn. “We love the show and know it is a perfect fit for our guests.”
More information is available at bard.org.
