Virginia Shakespeare Festival Brings Love, Tragedy, and Laughter to Williamsburg

Ready for romance, comedy, and mayhem? The Virginia Shakespeare Festival will kick off its 30th season June 25 with William Shakespeare's comic masterpiece, "The Taming of the Shrew."

The Festival continues a long history of Shakespeare in Williamsburg. In fact, Williamsburg was the first place that Shakespeare's plays were professionally presented in the New World. It all started in 1753, when the Hallam troupe of London arrived to present The Merchant of Venice here.

To honor this illustrious past, the College of William and Mary created the Festival, which presents two of more of the Bard's plays each summer. All performances are held in Phi Beta Kappa Memorial Hall on the William and Mary campus.

To access a Google map of the hall, click here.

Here's the 2008 schedule:

"The Taming of the Shrew"
June 25 to July 6

Perhaps the most famous of William Shakespeare's comedies, "The Taming of the Shrew" details what happens when a father decrees that his lovely daughter cannot wed until he manages to marry off her very nasty elder sister, Kate. When the brash Petruchio rises to the challenge all hell breaks out as he and Kate clash in a battle of wits and fists...all set against a background of disguises, jilted suitors, and tricks amidst a cast of quirky characters.

"Othello"
July 11 to 20

As far away from the comic genius of "Shrew" as you can get, this tragic masterpiece showcases the Bard's greatest villain, Iago, as he sets out to ruin the lives of those around him...including the doomed lovers, Othello and Desdemona.

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

Combine Monty Pythonesque comedy with American history and what do you get? As the Festival puts it, an "evening of inspired lunacy as they skewer everything you've come to know about the five hundred year history of our country."

Virginia Shakespeare Festival Tickets

As with everything lately, ticket prices have increased from last year. For 2008, subscriptions are $51 for all three plays. Single tickets are $23 for adults and $12 for students. The group rate I(for 20 or more pre-paid tickets) is $18 each. You can reserve tickets by phone, or through their website.

Box office hours are as follows:

January 21 - May 30: Monday-Friday, 10 – 2 pm
June 1-24: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 – 6 pm; Sunday, noon – 4 pm
June 25 - August 3: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 – 8 pm; Sunday, Noon – 4 pm

They also offer summer camps for students ages 9-17. Students will study Shakespeare's language, the choreography of stage combat, and period costuming. Camps last one week and finish with an abridged version of a comedy. The cost is $170 per camper. Camp dates fill up fast, so hurry and call 757-221-2683.

Virginia Shakespeare Festival phone number: 757-221-2674
Virginia Shakespeare Festival Website: http://www.wm.edu/vsf/

While in Williamsburg, why not visit the Historic Area? We've listed our top five favorite spots at Colonial Williamsburg (as well as the spot you should skip). Befor you go, make sure you check out our free guide, "Secrets to a Cheap Colonial Williamsburg Vacation".



Return from Virginia Shakespeare Festival to Virginia Attractions

Go to Main Page - Virginia Beach Family Vacation Getaway

Go to Site Index