Illinois Shakespeare Festival

Ewing Manor is a lovely spot. I was expecting a lot more mosquitoes but there weren't any! The performance was riveting, outstanding and amazing. I look forward to whatever they do next year.

Amazing show, highly recommend. The actors/actresses are top rate. You won't be disappointed. The venue is exceptional.

I loved the Cymbeline at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Act 1 was terrific. Act 2 started but was interrupted by rain. Unfortunately the company chose to cancel the remainder of the show. I understand this, but I feel that they were way too hasty to make this decision. The rain was bad for about 20 minutes and then it let up and in 30 minutes it had stopped and was clear. I would have gladly waited that 30 minutes in order to see act 2. The company offered to honor the tickets for a later production, but do they not realize that some of us made a special trip to Bloomington just for this occasion, so we are out in the cold. How incredibly disappointing! The company did not even acknowledge the fact that some of us would not be able to return for a later show. In past years this company has moved productions in doors when rain was threatened. The squall was predicted for days in advance. Why was the show not moved in doors? I am sure I will return, but I am so incredibly disappointed by this cancellation that I have to say it will give me pause in the future.

That was one of the most brilliant pieces of theater I've ever seen!

We had an amazing time watching the Q Gents- both brothers play multiple hilarious characters.....you will be laughing your butt off- that is, IF you can keep up with them ! Highly recommended- do not let this season get away without seeing them !

I have seen the Q Brothers twice at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, once in their interpretation of Othello and again for a Christmas Carol. Both times were highly entertaining. This time we traveled to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Normal Il for Q Gents. Their high energy and creative presentation was full of humor and heart. ISF never disappoints and neither do the Q Brothers.

These guys are brilliant. They were able to completely win over a group of high school kids attending the performance I was at. Fun Shakespeare. Two guys playing all the roles in this adaptation of Two Gentlemen of Verona is no easy feat and these guys did it expertly. Each character was distinct and the plot was extremely easy to follow, The vibe was fun and upbeat and they certainly tapped into all those wonderful things that Shakespeare's works are noted for. Well deserved standing ovation. I cannot wait to see more from these guys. They were also out after the show to meet with the audience and could not have been nicer.

Shakespeare's Richard II was an epic drama performed flawlessly by the cast. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances of Kevin Rich as King Richard, Steve Wojitas as Bolingbroke and Thom Miller as Mowbry. Equally memorable were Robert Gerard Anderson as York and Henson Keys as John of Gaunt. You must get tickets for this play at once!

The actors in their roles were outstanding. The costumes were stunning. Robert Gerard Anderson's portrayal of Armado was hilarious. Henson Keys' performance was unforgettable. If you have not ordered tickets for The Shakespeare Festival, do so anon!

Phenomenal!! Some of the best acting I've seen. Not a bad seat in the house. Will definitely go back next year!

Thia was a sincere and energetic performance of this humorous play. I worried that this would be over the top camp as an all male production but it was, instead, played 'clean' except for the silliness of small appropriate bits of stage business. Terrific fun all in all.

I was able to understand almost none of the actors' lines because the acoustics were so poor for those sitting in the left section (facing the stage of the arena. At the end of the performance I asked others in this section and every one of them confirmed their disappointment over the poor acoustics. This was all the more disappointing because the acting appeared to be top notch. From having read the play, I knew, more or less, what was going on, but the actual discourse was 99 % lost. At all the earlier plays I've attended at this theater, I sat either in the center section or on the right side, and on those occasions I had no problem hearing.

Illinois Shakespeare Festival is fabulous. All productions are very professional and enjoyable. Another GREAT season!

Seen these guys a few time now and they're incredible. Super funny, not good for young kids but anyone over 16 will love it!

The overall atmosphere of the Ewing Manor is second to none ... from the landscape to the jazz band to the box dinners. The acting in Elizabeth Rex was fantastic. The entire cast was engaging but Elizabeth stole the show. I would strongly encourage everyone to attend the Shakespeare Festival.

Three times, they made me laugh so hard, I cried! They were hysterical! The plot and word play were SO clever. A friend and I went one weekend and then I brought my family the next. Seriously fun entertainment!

We enjoyed this play very much. It was our first time seeing Antony and Cleopatra performed anywhere,and this group definitely did the story justice. Cleopatra was especially good in her role and it always amazes me how anyone memorizes those complicated lines and is able to act as well. Enobarbus was also an extremely talented actor- his performance really drew me into that character. Antony did a great job, although his crying scenes left me wondering if he was serious or not. The fight scenes were also well choreographed- and those could not have been easy to do! Well done all the way around-

Great performance! Wonderful setting. All the Ewing Manor/ Shakespeare Festival staff were very helpful as well.

play was excellent -- acting was outstanding. grounds were beautiful. a hidden gem.

We attended the "Much Ado About Nothing" performance. The Ewing Mansion grounds are beautiful. You can bring a picnic dinner with your favorite beverage to eat and drink before the play. About 7:20 you are moved into the outdoor theater for the performance. I didn't see a seat that would not be a good view of the stage. The performers were wonderful. What a romantic way to spend an anniversary or other special night.

Every year we journey to see all three plays at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival in Bloomington, IL, and it is an amazing experience every time. Cleopatra was beautiful and manipulative! Antony was temperamental and passionate. The whole experience of outdoor Shakespeare at Ewing manor is something to just revel in. If you love Shakespeare and live anywhere in central Illinois and haven't been to the festival...you are missing out! Oh, and remember to go early with your picnic dinner and sit on the Ewing Manor grounds to admire the gardens! And there's not a bad seat in the house!

This play is absolutely worth seeing on its own, but if you have any chance to see this in conjunction with their production of Much Ado About Nothing, the experience is all the more Rich.

In keeping with the true spirit of Shakespeare, it was fun to see an all male cast. Everything was wonderful, the actors, set, costumes, props, music and lights!

The presentation maintains the great reputation of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Great acting, well voiced, and simple but ample staging. Staging makes use of the entire theater. Recommend getting tickets now as the festival only lasts into the second week of August.

I have attended the ISF for the past 33 years. I would definitely rank this in the top 10 productions I have seen there. I was delighted with the all male cast. How authentic!! This year I took my great niece who is 13 to her first Shakespeare production in the "big" theatre. She didn't follow everything but she really liked it. Her dream is to perfom on that stage someday!

Captivating performance in exceptional venue. Don't miss it.

Deborah Staples was amazing and worth the price of admission on her own.

The evening was perfect for an outdoor play. The actors were amazing.

The acting was excellent as always. I've been going to the Shakespeare festival for years and this was my favorite production.

Ewing Manor is such a perfect venue to watch Timothy Findley's play about an invented evening between Queen Elizabeth and Shakespeare' company. We enjoyed a glass of wine on the meticulously kept lawn prior to enjoying this well acted play.

This play is one of the funniest, wittiest things I have seen in recent memory. It is irreverent and respectful of the Bard both at once. Even if you are not familiar with Shakespeare, you will enjoy it. This was the second time I've seen this production, and we took our 13 year-old granddaughter. She loved it as well. I think we have another Shakespeare fan in the family now. You must see this play!!

If you would enjoy a tongue in cheek quick funny foray into Shakespeare, this is for you. The audience was rolling with laughter! Warning for the serious-minded - If you cannot laugh about Shakespeare, beware.

The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) was one of the funniest stage productions I have seen in years. I laughed so much, my sides hurt. The three actors presenting this tour de force made this an unforgettable production. Impeccable timing, marvelous costuming, superb acting. The minimalist staging, expected at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival, actually added to the evening. A superlative experience!!

We loved the production of AMSD. Excellent cast and a magical night at Ewing manor.

Another tremendous show by the Q Brothers! Such a cleverly written show with tons of laughs. Hilarious!

My wife and two friends attending the I Heart Juliet on Sunday afternoon. What a fantastic performance! The dialog was witty, clever, and at some points absolutely hilarious. The music and performing artists was also excellent. The consensus from the four of us was that we would see this again and again it was so good. Let's hope the ISF brings more of the Q Brothers in the future. Bravo!

The music was a perfect fit to this play. It made it magical. I went twice because it was so well done and beautiful.

The cast was amazing, the script very "smart" & funny, and overall the hourlong production was unforgettable & my daughter's "favorite play ever!"

Story is typical Shakespeare, but the cast and crew do a wonderful job moving among the different characters. The narrator keeps the audience caught up on what is happening to the plot line. A very enjoyable evening!

Took our 11 year old for her birthday who was less than thrilled. She adored it!! The actors were fantastic! We went two nights and the second night was even better and we didn't think that was possible!

High energy, fun and easy to understand! We thoroughly enjoyed it! Highly recommended

My kids and I have made it a tradition to drive up from St. Louis annually to take in the Improvised Shakespeare performance at the Ewing Theatre in Bloomington IL. The cast, based out of Chicago, are first rate performers and you will laugh out loud at their wit and antics. Unrehearsed and on the fly, they are masters at their craft. You will not be disappointed. And the Ewing Estate grounds are meticulously cared for. Take this opportunity to step out of your routine and experience unparalleled laughter on the grounds of the Ewing Estate in a permanent, well designed amphitheater. If that isn't enough. Step into the past in the cobblestone courtyard for some pre-performance jazz and a glass of wine.

This was a terrific play with a superb cast. Go see it.

This performance of A Midsummer NIght Dream was great! The addition of music added another layer to the play, and along with wonderful staging, costumes in the late 40s, and excellent actor performances, this was the best rendition of this play for me (I've seen it produced 3 times.). The Ewing Theatre is always beautiful, and the weather gave us a pleasant, starry night. The full moon even made a showing through the open roof just as the play was ending!

I heart Juliet, though very short (70 min.), it absolutely wonderful. Production was amazing, songs were all brilliant. Highly recommend!

Wonderful set design, music, and very entertaining!

The Illinois Shakespeare Festival was Shakespeare at its best. Hamlet with a female lead was exceptionally good. Peter and the Starcatcher was humorous and entertaining. Twelfth Night was memorable, especially with Malvolio. I am looking forward to next year's festival.

An amazing night under the stars for a fabulous show. The cast and crew of the Illinois Shakespeare Festival do a fantastic job. I only wish we live closer to take in the rest of the shows. Bravo!

Twelfth Night was funny and engaging and overall very enjoyable. The cast was talented and were great.

Was able to get great seats and was dazzled from the beginning. The crew was fantastic, the writing was wonderful. Had a wonderful experience at the event with my wife and would recommend to all.

The show was fun, dynamic, and very entertaining .

Saw the opening night of Hamlet at the Illinois Shakespeare Festival - outdoors on a beautiful evening - and loved every minute. My current favorite Hamlet video is the RSC version with David Tenent and this is just as good. Live theater is always great and unique too. Be prepared for the full version which runs two and a half (2:30) hours. The sword play was wonderful, the ghost of Hamlet's father great - the actors were all wonderful - Ophelia's mad scene was tear provoking as was the description of her death by Gertrude. Love it!

Entire cast was just spectacular. Hamlet, played by a woman (Deborah Staples) was fantastic.

Great cast, design, flow... Loved Cesario! Go see it.

This show was truly a delight. Before the show and during intermission, there was a variety show done by the actors which was a great way to pass the time. The show itself was staged well to help the audience follow the action; and the acting was engaging. Setting the play in the early 20th century was just fun! Excellent theater!

We had a delightful time with the show. They took the name of the show from the audience, began with a soliloquy and went from there. It was delightfully funny and witty. We were amazed with how well the actors were able to continue the plot in rhyme, humor, and character, while making it all up as they went along! Superb!

This show was simply amazing. Both Brothers are quite talented. The show appeals to all audiences (whether you're familiar with or enjoy Shakespeare or not).

Wonderful, funny, entertaining show! Always have a good time here, but this year was especially funny! Will definitely go again!

We saw Richard II, As You Like It, and Shakespeare Improv. The acting was good to very good, the grounds and setting excellent. The weather was sweltering but nothing could be done about that. Picnic on the lovely grounds beforehand and enjoy the show(s) afterward. Great value.

We were entertained from beginning to end by these talented brothers. Two men played all the roles in a hip-hop adaptation of Two Gentleman of Verona. Script, acting, dance and music combined to provide great entertainment.

We absolutely loved Love's Labour's Lost. It was hilarious!!! We had been told my Shakespeare lovers that there was a lot of word play and it might be difficult to understand. It was so easy to understand thanks to the talented actors, staging, costumes, brief musical interludes. Congratulations Illinois Shakespeare Festival for making Shakespeare once again accessible to the masses. Can't wait to see the sequel Love's Labours Won!

Richard II was rivoting! My inlaws love Shakespeare but I am not ususally a fan and get some sleep. I was unable to catch one wink during this perforamnce. I was captured by the acting, movement, delivery of the lines and yes the story. The actors were also extremely handsome. Thank you Illionois Shakespeare for presenting Richard II to me in way that was entertaining and interesting. I went with 5 teenagers and they enjoyed it. So many Shakespeare cmpanies forget that Shakespeare is entertainment!!!

Q Gents were amazing! It's a Shakespeare Festival must-see this year.