The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival announces 2024 Season

The New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane has announced its highly-anticipated 2024 season, featuring a captivating array of Shakespearean classics and innovative performances.

This year's season opens with an uproarious production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], written by Adam Long, Daniel Singer, and Jess Winfield. Directed by Graham Burk, this comedic whirlwind will take audiences on a roller coaster ride through all of Shakespeare's plays in just 90 minutes. Featuring the dynamic talents of Keith Claverie, Ian Hoch, and Lauren Malara, this fast-paced romp is set to delight both devoted Shakespeare aficionados and newcomers alike. Preview performances begin on June 6, with the official opening night celebration on June 7. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, and Sunday matinee from June 7 – June 16.

Following this comedic tour de force, the Festival presents Shakespeare's timeless tragedy, Julius Caesar, directed by Salvatore Mannino. From July 12 to July 21, audiences will witness this gripping saga of ambition, honor, and betrayal unfold on stage. Julius Caesar stars Silas Cooper in the title role and New Orleans’ favorites James Bartelle, Wendy Miklovic, and Erin Cessna. Preview performances commence on July 11, with the opening night celebration on July 12. Performances are Thursday, Friday, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening, and Sunday matinee from July 12 – July 21.

In addition to the main stage productions, the Festival is proud to present two new lagniappe events that promise to push the boundaries of traditional theater. On June 22, for one night only, audiences will experience (un)prompted Shakespeare. This daring experiment features actors rehearsing and performing Shakespeare's classic tragedy Macbeth in a single day, without the aid of scripts, but with the lines projected as supertitles. Additionally, on July 17, another new show will debut, The Fools Ensemble presents A Very Important Play. In this hilarious fusion of improv and Shakespeare, audiences will witness the birth of a brand-new 'Shakespearean' play, crafted in real- time by the talented improvisers of The Fools Ensemble.

After its July premiere, Julius Caesar (directed by Salvatore Mannino) will return in January 2025 for the Performance for the Schools series, where over 5,000 students across the Gulf South will get to experience the brilliance of Shakespeare.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, by phone, or online via the website at: www.neworleansshakespeare.org