Festival 56’s Shakespeare in the Park continues run in Princeton

Small town meets big drama at Princeton’s Festival 56, a renowned celebration of the performing arts that brings together rising acting talent from across the country in this picturesque town on the Western edged of Starved Rock Country. This weekend, you can catch the skilled ensemble of performers staging one of their popular open air Shakespeare productions at Soldiers & Sailors Park and a production of The Bridges of Madison County, based on the acclaimed novel, at The Grace Theater.

Shakespeare in the Park: “The Comedy of Errors”

7:30 p.m. July 19, 22, 26 and 29

Soldiers & Sailors Park, Princeton

Festival 56’s Shakespeare in the Park series has long been known for pushing the boundaries of community theater. In 2013, it staged a large war reenactment in the streets of Princeton to kick off the production of “Romeo and Juliet.” This year, they return to another of the Bard’s classic texts for a run of free performances under the stars.

Shakespeare’s fast‑paced comedy of mistaken identity follows two sets of twins separated by a shipwreck. Years later, they find themselves in the same city on the same day, sparking chaos, confusion and laughter.

Held in Soldiers & Sailors Park at the end of Princeton’s bustling downtown, these shows start at 7:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Sunday, through July 29. Featuring the original text and colorful costumes, this family-friendly performance is open to guests of all ages. Guests are encouraged to bring their own folding chairs and blankets.

“The Bridges of Madison County”

2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. July 18, 2 p.m. July 19, 7:30 p.m. July 21, 2 p.m. July 22 and 7:30 p.m. July 23, 24 and 25

Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St., Princeton

This year’s roster of Festival 56 productions also includes The Bridge of Madison County, the beloved musical based on the best-selling novel and popular film. This sweeping romance tells the story of a chance meeting between a traveling photographer and a Midwestern housewife. Their brief but powerful connection changes both of their lives forever. With a Tony Award–winning score, the musical captures the beauty of America’s heartland and the bittersweet choices of love. Parental guidance: some material may not be suitable for children.

“Anastasia”

7:30 p.m. July 31, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Aug. 1, 2 p.m. Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 4, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 2 p.m. Aug. 8

Grace Theater, 316 S. Main St., Princeton

Festival 56 will be closing out their 2026 summer season by mounting the spectacular all-ages musical Anastasia. Follow the story of Anya, a young woman who may be the lost Grand Duchess. Her journey takes her from post‑revolution Russia to Paris, where she seeks family, love, and the truth about her past. Featuring songs like “Journey to the Past” and “Once Upon a December,” bring the whole family to this sweeping tale of adventure and discovery.

The Comedy of Errors is free to attend. Tickets for “The Bridges of Madison County” and “Anastasia” can be bought online at Festival 56’s website, by calling 815-879-5656, or at the Grace Theater box office from 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

To learn about other upcoming shows in the 2026 summer season, visit Festival56.com and follow Festival 56 on Facebook.