The Utah Shakespeare Festival is currently presenting a mid-summer lineup of classic tragedies and comedies, featuring productions of Hamlet, Twelfth Naight, and Something Rotten!, as the seasonal performance window continues through October 3, 2026.
Tragedy and Comedy on Stage,
The Festival's current programming includes the tragic tale of Hamlet, a production directed by Beth Lopes. The play follows Prince Hamlet as he seeks vengeance against his uncle, King Claudius, following the death of his father. The cast features Walter Kmiec as Hamlet, John Keabler as King Claudius, and Mare Trevathan as Queen Gertrude.
Technical elements for Hamlet include scenic design by Apollo Mark Weaver and costume design by Bill Black. The production also utilizes sound design and original music by John Nobori, with lighting designed by Michael Gilliam. Other notable cast members include Thom Rivera as the Ghost and Kathryn Tkel as Ophelia.
Twelfth Night Features Mistaken Identity,
Adding a comedic element to the season, the Festival is performing Twelfth Night, directed by John DiAntonio. The production explores themes of mistaken identity and unrequited love through characters such as Viola, played by Caitlin Wise, and Duke Orsino, portrayed by Lavour Addison.
The artistic staff for Twelfth Night includes Apollo Mark Weaver on scenic design, Bill Black on costumes, and Michael Gilliam on lighting. Sound design and original music are provided by John Nobori, while the production features aerial choreography by Eileen Little. The cast also includes Matthew Wangemann as Sebastian and Blake Henri as Sir Toby Belch.
Musical Comedy Brings Something Rotten!,,
The production of Something Rotten! offers a different musical experience, with a book by Karey Kirkpatrick and John O’Farrell, and music and lyrics by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick. Directed by Alan Muraoka, the play features a cast including Pascal Pastrana as Shakespeare and Matt Koenig as Nick Bottom.
The technical crew for this production includes Jeremy Mann as music director, Alli Betsill as choreographer, and Jo Winiarski as scenic designer. Other design roles include Tracy Christensen for costumes, Tom Mays for lighting, and Joe Payne for sound design. The ensemble is composed of various performers including André Love, Zac Barnaby, and Henry Hawes.
Seasonal Discounts and Resident Savings,
The Utah Shakespeare Festival provides several discount opportunities for various demographics. Local residents of Iron, Beaver, Washington, Kane, Garfield, Piute, and Lincoln counties are eligible to purchase tickets at 50 percent off on the day of a performance, provided they show proof of residency. This specific local promotion excludes premier seating and cannot be reserved in advance.
Students may utilize a Student Access Pass for $50, which is valid for 32 day-of tickets throughout the 2026 season for students in grades 1–12 and undergraduates with at least 12 credit hours. Additionally, children between the ages of six and eighteen can receive a $10 discount on any ticket with a valid student ID. The Festival also offers a 10% discount to Southern Utah University alumni upon presentation of an SUU Alumni card at the Ticket Office.
Group Rates and Educational Programming,
For larger groups, the Festival offers tiered pricing: groups of 12 to 19 people receive $4 off per ticket, while groups of 20 or more receive a $10 discount per ticket. Other specialized discounts include $4 off for seniors (62 and older), AAA members, and military members, as well as the Iron County Pass, which costs $200 for six admissions for eligible residents.
Educational opportunities are also available through the Shakespearience program. For school groups of 12 or more, the program offers professional plays and orientations during matinees from August 1 to September 25, 2026. Utah public or charter schools may access free or reduced tickets through the Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools (POPS) sponsored by the Utah State Legislature.
