Shakespeare in Love

“Love knows nothing of rank or riverbank. It will spark between a queen
and the poor vagabond who plays the king…”

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.

Weather Notice

Attending an outdoor show in the Boulder foothills can be unpredictable. Come prepared to enjoy the adventure by reviewing our weather policy and attire suggestions. Learn more

Performance Dates and Times

Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. (Preview)
Sunday, June 28, 7:30 p.m. (Opening Night)
Sunday, July 5, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 15, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 19, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 23, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 25, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, July 30, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 1, 7:30 p.m.

CSF 2026 calendar

Buying Options

Save big with season tickets! This show is available in the Full Season Ticket, Weekday Will, Pick 2 or 3, Choice 4+ or 6+ or as an add-on to other season ticket orders. Learn more

Single tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1, 2025. Remind me

Discounts for preview nights (20%), groups (10-60%), youth ($10 and $20 tickets), seniors ($2 off), active military ($5 off), CU students and employees (25%) and season ticket orders (15-25%). Free tickets for performance ushers.