|
|
|
The Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City Utah
For Places to Stay in Cedar City go to: www.utah-hotels.org/Cedar-City
The Utah Shakespearean Festival is a festival of repertory productions of the works of William Shakespeare and other dramatists. The Festival is held during the summer and fall on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah, within a day's drive of seven national parks and other attractions. It is 2½ hours northeast of Las Vegas, Nevada and 3½ hours south of Salt Lake City, Utah.
  
Awards
In 2000, the Festival was the recipient of America's Outstanding Regional Theatre Tony Award, presented by the American Theatre Wing and the League of American Theatres and Producers. In 2001 it received the National Governors Association Award for Distinguished Service in the Arts for Artistic Productions.
The Seasons
West elevation of The Adams Theater
The Festival produces a six-show repertory season in the summer of each year. Traditionally, three of the plays produced are Shakespearean or other period (such as the works of Christopher Marlowe) texts (often a comedy, a drama, and a history) and three non-Shakespearean classics or works by more contemporary dramatists, one of which is usually a musical. The Shakespearean plays are usually performed in the outdoor Adams Shakespearean Theatre, which is modeled after Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. The other plays are performed on an indoor proscenium stage, the Randall L. Jones Theatre. The Auditorium Theatre is used for matinee performances of plays normally produced at night in the Adams, and as a rainstage for Adams performances. Shows of the summer season usually run from mid-June through early September. During this season a short skit and musical act are performed outside before most of the plays. Called the Green Show, it often includes poking fun at Shakespeare buffs, comedy skits, sword fighting and musical routines. On some days smaller side stages are used to showcase dumb shows, craftsmen, and storytellers. During and before the performance people dressed (roughly) in period clothing walk around the courtyard (green) selling programs, telling jokes, and offering a selection of treats. As women always sell pastries, a common line is to "Try the tarts, and the pastries aren't bad either."
Stage of The Adams Theater before a performance
Recently, the Festival has begun producing a three-show fall season as well. The fall season usually consists of one Shakespearean play, a contemporary work or non-Shakespearean classic, and a musical. The fall season is staged in the Randall Theatre only, between late September and the end of October. The 2007 season includes The Tempest, Art, and The Mousetrap.
The Festival also produces a "Plays in Progress" series, featuring staged readings of new plays in a workshop setting. This program is now called The New American Playwrights Project or N.A.P.P. These workshops take place each August at The Festival.
The 2008 summer season includes: The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Othello, Cyrano de Bergerac, The Taming of the Shrew, Fiddler on the Roof, and The School for Wives. The fall season includes: Julius Caesar, Moonlight and Magnolias, and Gaslight.
History
The Festival was founded in 1961 by Fred C. Adams. After a stint in the New York theatre scene, he made his way to Cedar City, entering College of Southern Utah (later renamed as Southern Utah University) in 1959. He soon realized the potential for such a venture in the area, hoping to draw on the 150,000 or so tourists that come to the area's National Parks in the summer. He first traveled to Ashland, Oregon to observe the operations of the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, which is often regarded as one of the foremost festivals in the world. While in Ashland, Adams met and entensively interviewed OSF's founder, Angus L. Bowmer.
The Festival produced its first season in 1962 on a makeshift platform on the college campus, drawing from students and townspeople to form its first company, who not only acted, but also built their own props, costumes, and stage. This first season featured three of Shakespeare's plays: The Taming of the Shrew, Hamlet, and The Merchant of Venice. The first season yielded some 3,300 audience members and around $2,000 in profit, which was reinvested in the company to produce a second season the following year. In the years to come, the Festival would grow tremendously, and now plays to an estimated audience of 150,000 and has an operational budget of $5 million.
The Adams Shakespearean Theatre (also known as the Adams Memorial Theatre) was constructed on the University campus, and was completed in 1977. Designed by Douglas N. Cook, it is world-renowned for its accuracy in duplicating Shakespeare's Globe; the BBC used it as a filming location in 1981 for a documentary series on Shakespeare. Within a few years, the Adams Theatre will be replaced by a similar theater, which will include wider seats, and a retractable roof. The modern Randall L. Jones Theatre was completed for the 1989 season. Plans for a third theatre are being developed; it is expected to be a black box space, and will feature modern plays by living dramatists. The new theatre is part of the master-planned Utah Shakespearean Festival Centre for the Performing Arts, which will house a Renaissance study center, restaurants, pubs, and support facilities. It is expected to be completed within 10 years
Education
The Festival has many education programs, from Summer and Fall Classes to a School Tour. One of the most popular events, the Shakespeare Competition happens every year in October; many schools from all over the Southwest U.S. region participate.
|
Utah's Shakespearean Festival
|
|
|
|
A summer tradition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hosted on the campus of Southern Utah University in Cedar City, is the Utah Shakespearean Festival is committed to "entertain, enrich, and educate audiences through professional rotating repertory productions of Shakespeare and other master dramatists".
Although it is called the Shakespearean Festival, the famous bard is not the only playwright represented. The handful of shows presented throughout the summer also features such writers as Oscar Wilde and Howard Ashman.
Other activities include Backstage Tours and a Royal Feast - a sumptuous medieval dinner complete with costumed characters. Visit with actors and musicians, or participate in discussions of the plays with Shakespearean and theatre scholars.
The Utah Shakespearean Festival has received numerous awards, including the 2000 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theater, Entrepreneur of the Year and Best of State.
Tickets can be reserved online at http://www.bard.org/2003BoxOffice/, or call 1-800-PLAYTIX to purchase. Several discounts are available.
Their website includes an online gift shop where you can find treasures such as posters, clothing, books and videos, and miscellaneous items with the festival logo.
Go on, take a weekend off and head down to the festival. Just think of the educational value. Your kids will be reading Shakespeare tragedies sometime during their school years. Real experience is way better than Cliff Notes
|
The Shakespearean Festival in Cedar City Utah
· National Parks
· Outdoor Activities
· Recreation Areas
· Arts & Culture
o Art Galleries
o Neil Simon Festival
o Performing Arts Groups
o SUU Campus
o Shakespeare Festival
· Heritage & Discovery
· Events
· Lodging
· Visitor Services
· Groups & Meetings
· Request Vacation Guide
· Recreation Map
Utah Shakespearean Festival
· Official Festival Website
The Utah Shakespearean Festival is widely recognized as one of the best professional theater events in the nation, and in the year 2000, was awarded the coveted Tony Award for "Outstanding Regional Theater". Time spent at the Festival includes days full of activities including the Shakespeare and contemporary productions, the Greenshow, the Royal Feaste, seminars, classes, tours, and the world famous, southern Utah scenery.
The Plays
Six plays are presented in repertory each Summer Season in two grand theaters: the outdoor Adams Shakespearean Theatre, which is a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre and features only Shakespeare plays; and the indoor Randall L Jones Theatre, a stunning, thoroughly modern facility that features contemporary works. In the Fall, the Festival presents three more world-class plays, including one Shakespeare play, a musical and a comedy.
The Greenshow and Play Orientations
Prepare for the Shakespeare plays by immersing in the music and dance of the Elizabethan Period. The complimentary Greenshow is held in the courtyard surrounding Adams Theatre. There is music, dance and general festivity, including storytelling, magic, juggling, snacks and food. Also, just before the evening performance, the Festival offers free play orientations where patrons can get a quick overview of the play they are about to see, as well as ask questions about the Festival and southern Utah area in general. Various Festival personnel, including Festival Founder Fred Adams lead these presentations.
Backstage Tours and Seminars
The Backstage Tour is an opportunity to step behind the scenes to learn inside information about the Festival and visit various production areas, including costume, makeup, and scene shops. Patrons can also attend one of the Literary Seminars to participate in lively give-and-take discussions between the play directors and audience members (sometimes actors will present). Participants are encouraged to voice honest reactions to various aspects of the plays. Seminars take place in the Seminar Grove, Tuesday through Sunday.
Tickets
To purchase tickets to the Utah Shakespearean Festival plays and other activities call 1-800-752-9849 or visit their web-site at www.bard.org
Getting There
The Utah Shakespearean Festival is located on the campus of Southern Utah University, 351 W. Center St in Cedar City. Coming from the north or south, take I-15 Exit #59. Head east on 200 North,to 300 West, then head south to Center Street. The Randall Jones Theater is on the corner of 300 W. and Center St.
Accessibility
All Festival theaters are accessible to persons with disabilities and are equipped with hearing-enhancement headsets available for no charge in the lobbies. Individuals needing special theater accommodations, including communicative aids or other services, need to notify the Box Office at least three working days before the performance.
For more information regarding the Utah Shakespearean Festival, visit their website at www.bard.org.
Utah Shakespearean Festival
351 W. Center St.
Cedar City, UT 84720
435-586-7878 (Box Office)
1-800-PLAYTIX
|
Destination Cedar City
|
|
William Shakespeare would find himself at home in Cedar City, Utah, home of Utah's extravagant Shakespearean Festival! Each summer, visitors come from all corners to participate in this spectacular event, and to tour scenic Cedar Breaks National Monument.
Other folks come to experience excellent Utah mountain biking at Brian Head resort's fat tire festival. In the winter, Brian Head transforms into one of Utah's great ski resorts, with excellent powder and runs!
Southern Utah University adds an additional, exciting dimension to this vibrant community.
|
|
|
Utah Shakespearean Festival - Enjoy Shakespearean and contemporary productions at this acclaimed regional theatre.
|
|
|
Cedar Breaks - Explore this National Monument, which displays multi-colored rock formations similar to those at Bryce Canyon National Park.
|
|
|
Brian Head - In winter, ski or snowboard at this full-service resort. In summer, challenge one of the area's rugged bike trails; you can also pedal or hike leisurely along forest trails.
|
|
|
Kolob Canyons - This section of Zion National Park is just 18 miles south of Cedar City. It offers a scenic drive and great hiking trails.
|
|
|
Iron Mission State Park - Visit the museum, which displays a great collection of Indian and pioneer artifacts. Learn about efforts to mine iron and develop resources needed to support pioneer settlements.
|
|
|
Parowan Gap - View the fantastic ancient Indian rock art in this chasm.
|
|
|
Scenic Highways 14 & 148 - Hwy 14 heads through the lush forest on Cedar Mountain and past scenic Navajo Lake. Stop at the lookout points. Hwy 148 continues up to Cedar Breaks and Brian Head.
|
|
|
Snowmobile - Play with snow and machine at the Cedar Mountain/East Fork Snowmobile Complex.
|
|
|
Southern Utah University - This first class small school hosts cultural, artistic, educational and sporting events open to the public.
|
|
|
Cedar City Historic Downtown Shopping District - Located from 200 North to Center Street, Cedar City's unique "Mom & Pop" establishments offer those special gift or perfect additions to your home decor. You'll find quaint shops, art galleries, local restaurants, three coffee houses, a very unique music store, several live music venues, an old time soda fountain, antique stores, and regional arts & crafts shops. Part of the Historic Downtown is the Cedar City Heritage Theatre, which hosts a variety of theatrical and musical events throughout the year. The Heritage Theater is the permanent home for The Festival Royale (April), the Utah Neil Simon Festival (July & August), the Friday Night Concert Series (September), the American Children's Christmas Festival (December), and the Cedar City Music Arts (September-May). See their website for a detailed schedule: www.heritagectr.org
|
|
Cedar City
Cedar City is the gateway to Bryce, Zion & Cedar Breaks, Shakespeare Festival, and skiing. The sophisticated small town has is a splendid location in the peaceful foothills of scenic southwestern Utah.
Cedar Breaks National Monument
An amazing concentration of limestone formations created by uplift and erosion in a three-mile wide amphitheatre setting. Open late-May - mid-November. Visitors Center is open every day throughout the season. Address: 2390 W Hwy. 56 (Administration Office) 435-586-9451 or 435-586-0787 at the monument. Iron Mission State Park
Displays of early development in Iron County, including pioneer artifacts, restored wagons, carriages, and 19th century forms of transport. Open everyday. (Except Sundays during the winter.) Address: 635 N. Main, Cedar City 84720. 435-586-9290
Kolob Canyons - Zion National Park
Only 20 miles from Cedar City, experience the lesser known Kolob Canyon entrance to Zion National Park. In addition to the major rock formations, visitors see evidence of volcanic eruptions. Open all year. Visitors Center is open every day but major holidays. Address: I-15 exit #40, 3752 E Kolob Canyons Rd, New Harmony 84757 435-586-9548
|
Three Peaks Recreation Area
Head west on Hwy. U-56 from Cedar City to Lund Hwy; head north for about five miles to Mid-Valley Rd., then west for about two miles. Two pavilions are available for groups (stop by the Iron County Visitor Center for reservation form); there are nice areas for family picnics. You'll find miles and miles of mountain bike and ATV trails, and unique rock formations that are fun to explore. Open year-round. Throughout the year, several 4x4 rock crawling competitions are held here. Call the Bureau of Land Management for more info: 435-586-2401
Navajo Lake Area
Navajo Lake is on Cedar Mountain about 22 miles east of Cedar City via Hwy. 14. It is located at a high elevation where deep snow falls throughout the winter. Snowmobiling is popular in this area. Summer activities run from late May thru mid Oct. Stop at the Zion Overlook; hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail (1/2 mile) or Cascade Falls (1 mile); mountain bike the Navajo Lake Loop trail (12 miles); fish at Navajo Lake, Duck Creek and Aspen Mirror Lake; and explore Mammoth Cave. For more info contact Dixie National Forest, 1789 N. Wedgewood Ln. in Cedar City; 435-865-3200.
|
|
Brian Head - Ski, Board, Bike
Located just east of Cedar City via all-weather highways, this area gets over 400 inches of snowfall annually. Brian Head Resort has 500 skiable acres, 53 runs, a 1,707 ft. vertical drop, plenty of backcountry and a lift-assisted tubing park. Brian Head has also become a renowned destination for mountain biking, offering great trails through mountain forests. You'll also find great snowmobiling terrain nearby, along with excellent hiking trails, campgrounds and fishing waters. Skiing usually runs from late November - mid-April. Biking trails can be ridden from late June or early July through October. Resort info: 435-677-2035; Lodging information: 435-677-2810.
|
Pinewoods Resort
Though this multi-activity resort is a destination unto itself, its prime location also allows visitors to easily venture into nearby Zion or Bryce national parks, Cedar Breaks National Monument, Brian Head, or even catch a show at Cedar City's Shakespearean Festival.
|
|
Southern Utah University
Southern Utah University is a vibrant, growing institution which has drawn attention through its hosting of the popular Utah Shakespearean Festival and the appealing Utah Summer Games. A comprehensive regional university with over 6,000 students, SUU offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees through five academic colleges.
|
Read articles on travels and experiences in the Cedar City Destination.
|
Utah Shakespearean Festival (June- October)
Tony Award-winning plays from Shakespeare to contemporary productions with matinee and evening performances, backstage tours, Greenshow, and Royal Feaste. June - September (summer season), and September - October (fall season). Address: 351 W. Center, Cedar City, Utah 435-586-7878, 1-800 PLAYTIX, Fax: 435-586-1971
Canyon Country Western Arts Festival (March)
Interact with poets, quilters, leather workers, pottery makers and other western artists. Also enjoy open-mike cowboy poetry, western music, the western heritage awards and a major western music concert. 435-586-4484
Utah Summer Games (June)
Providing an "Olympic-style" experience for Utah athletes of all ages & skill levels in 40 different sports. The highlight of the Games is the Opening Ceremonies, complete with an athlete's march, torch run, grand fireworks and entertainment. 435-865-8421
American Children's Christmas Festival
Runs Thanksgiving night to the first Saturday in December. Storybook Cavalcade parade featuring floats and characters from children's books and fairy tales, major musical and dance productions, Christmas Village, Santaland, A Celebration of Trees and other holiday activities. Held at the Cedar City Heritage Center. Contact Cedar City Corporation at 435-586-2950.
|
UROC World Championship Supercrawl (October)
Watch as the world's best off-roaders tackle the most extreme 4x4 obstacles in the world. Held at the Three Peaks Recreation Area west of Cedar City. 435-864-2415
Oktoberfest (September)
Festivities include an arts and crafts festival and entertainment. There is no charge to take part in the celebration, only to purchase the authentic German food.
The Utah Neil Simon Festival (Mid July thru mid-August)
The Neil Simon Festival is the world's first professional theatre company dedicated to honoring and preserving the works of America's preeminent comic playwright, Neil Simon. The festival is housed in the beautiful Heritage Center Theatre in downtown Cedar City. The growing theatre company, with its slogan "Come Laugh With Us!" has already gained a reputation for excellence. The festival runs from mid-July to mid-August every year. For more information call 866-35-SIMON or visit www.simonfest.org
Great American Stampede (September 10 & 11)
Western themed activities, professional rodeo action, and major country music head-liner concert after the rodeo on Saturday.
Held at the Cross Hollows Events Center in Cedar City. Contact 435-691-7514.
View all Events
|
Cedar City - Destination City
Brian Head - 29 miles from Cedar City
Parowan - 18 miles from Cedar City
Cedar City Real Estate
Cedar City Homes
Cedar City New Homes
Cedar City Recreational Real Estate
Cedar City Realtors & Real Estate Agents
Cold Creek Café at Crystal Inn pairs fresh local and regional ingredients with unique seasonal flavors from around the world. The outstanding cuisine, professional service, eclectic design and colorful atmosphere will impress you. 435-586-8888.
Mountain View Bakery & Deli - Home of the "BrianBerry Pie". This restaurant provides great pizza, pasta, sandwiches, salads, and pies. Take & bake menu. Located near Brian Head Resort at 508 N Hwy 143. 435-677-2411
| |