For another summer, the Capital Classic Theatre Company has returned to present productions of the Shakespearean classics, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and ‘Measure for Measure’ at the 2026 Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival in West Hartford.

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. Photo credit: Roz Green

By Roz Green

Theater lovers and Shakespeare fanatics get ready because for another year, the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford is hosting the Capital Classic’s Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. And do not fret, it is not too late to purchase tickets and see one of their shows: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Measure for Measure.”

These two productions will be performed outdoors every Wednesday through Sunday from July 8 to Aug. 2, or in the university’s Bruyette Atheneum if it rains. 

Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival. Photo credit: Roz Green

On Thursday evening at 7:30 p.m., people from all over gathered on USJ’s beautiful lawn to sit back, relax, and enjoy the whimsical comedy “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Attendees came with coolers and bags packed with food, and brought their closest friends and family members to enjoy this exciting performance.

Full of dazzling song and dance performances and beautifully made costumes, this production is not one to miss. The cast truly evoked the essence of Shakespeare during the show on the sunny Thursday evening. 

Cast performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo credit: Roz Green

As the sun slowly set and the performance began, the audience became completely captivated. While many people have read Shakespeare at least once in their lives, seeing one of his plays performed brings his writing to life in a fresh and exciting way. Even though his writing has stayed relevant over all these years, simply reading his plays cannot capture the full essence of his work. Shakespeare’s plays were written to be performed and seen, not just read.  

While viewing the comedy of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” attendees were able to see a skillful cast that transformed one of Shakespeare’s most classic tales into a fascinating live performance filled with love, laughter, and magic. 

Debra Walsh as the Fairy in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo credit: Roz Green

The story follows four lovers, a troupe of actors, and a group of fairies whose lives become entangled in the enchanted forest. The play is set in Athens and consists of a multitude of subplots that center around the marriage of Theseus and Hyppolyta. One subplot involves a conflict between the four Athenian lovers whose relationships lead to chaos. 

Cast performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo credit: Roz Green

Directed by Sasha Brätt, this wonderful performance had audience members on the edge of their seats, captivated by the cast’s gripping performances. The time, hard work, and dedication the cast members devoted to their performance were evident and extremely mesmerizing, leaving the audience laughing, cheering, and stunned by the talent displayed from the stage. 

During intermission, audience members enjoyed personalized charcuterie and sweet treats, along with a variety of other snacks and drinks for people to enjoy. Bug spray and sunscreen were also provided. 

More information about the Capital Classics Shakespeare Festival, including pre-show entertainment and associated activities, and the link to purchase tickets, can be found at CapitalClassics.org.

Cast performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo credit: Roz Green

Cast performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo credit: Roz Green

Cast performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Courtesy image

Cast performing ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Courtesy Image

Actor performing in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’. Photo credit: Roz Green

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.