Jun 27-Aug 1, 2026

Shakespeare in Love

Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard and adapted for the stage by Lee Hall with music by Paddy Cunneen

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

Based on the screenplay by Marc Norman and Tom Stoppard
Adapted for the stage by Lee Hall
Music by Paddy Cunneen

Penniless and paralyzed by writer’s block, young Will Shakespeare finds his muse in Viola de Lesseps, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy merchant and passionate lover of poetry and theater. Betrothed to the power- and money-hungry Lord Wessex, Viola surrenders to passion with the playwright, inspiring his famous tale of star-crossed lovers Romeo and Juliet. But this clever, contemporary stage production of the Oscar-winning film is no tragedy. It’s loaded with laughs — and Easter eggs — for Shakespeare lovers of all ages.

Since 1958, the Colorado Shakespeare Festival has enchanted audiences with world-class theatre on the University of Colorado Boulder campus. This summer, make Shakespeare under the stars your can’t-miss tradition as we return to the beautifully renovated historic Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre—with complimentary seatbacks for your comfort.