Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival to feature two plays in repertory at the University of Saint Joseph

Capital Classics' 2025 production of Twelfth Night featuring Mauricio Miranda (Member, Actors' Equity Association) and Kiera Sheehan. Photo by Bill Morgan Media. — Capital Classics’ 2025 production of Twelfth Night featuring Mauricio Miranda (Member, Actors’ Equity Association) and Kiera Sheehan. Photo by Bill Morgan Media.

Capital Classics Theatre Company has announced the cast and creative lineup for the 35th annual Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. This year’s outdoor event features two plays performed in repertory: the dark comedy Measure for Measure and the fantasy comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

The festival is scheduled to run from Wednesday, July 8, through Sunday, August 2, 2026. Performances will take place on the campus of the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford, with the stage positioned in front of the Bruyette Atheneum. Each production will be performed ten times on an alternating schedule.

Alongside the performance schedule, Capital Classics has launched the Capital Classics Artists Fund campaign. The initiative aims to raise $10,000 before the festival opens to support the more than 50 local theater professionals employed for the productions.

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Many cast and crew members are returning festival veterans who will perform in both productions. Brian Jennings is directing Measure for Measure, which features Jovan Davis as Duke Vincentio, Mauricio Miranda as Angelo, and Claire Stillman as Isabella. Sasha Brätt is directing A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring Vanessa Butler as Titania/Hippolyta, Jovan Davis as Theseus/Oberon, and Eli Zirolli as Puck.

The shared design team across both plays includes scenic design by Aaron Laudermith, costume design by Vivianna Lamb, and lighting design by Robyn Joyce. John Holder is the technical director, and Kate Swanson composed the original music for both shows.

Regular performances are scheduled for Wednesday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances starting at 5:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the productions will move indoors to the university’s Bruyette Atheneum.

General admission tickets are available in advance for $25, while admission is free for youth ages 11 and under. Attendees are permitted to bring chairs, blankets, and picnics to the lawn. Pre-show entertainment, food vendors, a merchandise table, and exhibits at the University of Saint Joseph’s Art Gallery will open prior to the start of each performance. Tickets and donation information for the artists fund can be accessed at CapitalClassics.org.

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Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival to feature two plays in repertory at the University of Saint Joseph