Family Weekend Featuring Optimist Theatre: Shakespeare in the Park
Date and Time
Sunday Aug 16, 2026
1:00 PM - 6:00 PM CDT
Fees/Admission
This all-ages event is designed to make the Bard accessible and fun for everyone. The day will feature family-friendly activities, Renaissance games, pre-show programs, plus a special performance by Milwaukee’s Early Music Now concert, creating a full summer’s day ‘Shakespearience.’
Contact Information
Donna Dienhart
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Description
On August 16, the Schauer Center will transform into a hub for all things Shakespeare. Optimist Theatre, the producer of Milwaukee’s celebrated Shakespeare in the Park, is bringing their 2026 touring titles to Hartford for the very first time ever for an immersive Family Weekend.
The weekend will feature two distinct productions:
- The Merry Wives of Windsor: Falstaff's Tale
Comic Comeuppance. Falstaff Foiled.
Falstaff's schemes backfire as Mistresses Page, Ford, and Quickly outwit him at every turn, with mischief and live music by Early Music Now. (40 minutes) - Richard III (Puppet Edition)
Puppet-Powered Murderous Mayhem
In a puppet-powered world, ambition turns deadly. Richard III, where ruthless schemes unfold with animal flair. (50 minutes)
This all-ages event is designed to make the Bard accessible and fun for everyone. The day will feature family-friendly activities, Renaissance games, pre-show programs, plus a special performance by Milwaukee’s Early Music Now concert create a full summer’s day ‘Shakespearience.’
August 16 Shakespeare in the Park Schedule
1:00 pm: Play, Games & Merriment Begin
1:45 pm: About Richard III
2:00 pm: Richard III
4:15 pm: About The Merry Wives of Windsor
4:30 pm: Early Music Now
5:00 pm: The Merry Wives of Windsor
Play, games, and activities to continue throughout the afternoon. Times subject to change.
