Idaho Shakespeare Festival Delays Spring Opening Dates

The temperatures are about to jump as Summer sneaks it's way into the Treasure Valley. I realize we have seen somewhat odd rainy days but life has been anything but common lately right?

I wrote an article about Roaring Springs opening, the Boise River kick-off for floating soon, and everything that means Summer in the Treasure Valley. It's like a feeling you get when these events open or should I say cancel.

Meridian Dairy Days didn't exactly cancel but pulled the big attractions this year. Roaring Springs is opening with some delays as we await the temperatures to rise and the Idaho Shakespeare Festival is next. This weekend would be the opening of the Summer outdoor amphitheater-style venue. Unfortunately, they had to join everyone else and move the opening due to COVID-19. The original season would have begun Friday, May 22 2020 with Shakespeare features Much Ado About Nothing and the Fats Waller musical Aint' Misbehavin'.

There is good news though. The annual Spring open will just be moving towards more of a Summer opening during Stage Four of "Idaho Rebounds: Our Path to Prosperity." So, there will be plays this year and at least that keeps some sort of normalcy for outdoor events. Charles Fee, Producing Artistic Director & Mark Hotflund, Managing Director had this to say in a message posted on their website (COVID-19 Announcement)

We often look to Shakespeare for inspiration in difficult ties, and marvel at the timeless wisdom of his plays. Never did we dream that , 400 years later, we would face similar circumstances to those of the early 1600s.

The team went on to say how excited they are to reopen and thanked all Idahoans for their support. I'm not sure if you've ever been to an event at the Shakespeare Festival but it's great. You have several seating type options, great drinks, food, and amazing performances all under the sunshine.

Here's what the Summer showing looks like.