The Month of Love: Romance in the 2024 Season

Our dear Festival patrons, happy February. In light of Valentine’s Day this month, we thought we’d highlight all things “love” and drama in our 2024 play lineup.

Ranging from the forbidden love of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, to the witty verbal sparring of fan favorites Beatrice and Benedick, to the all-encompassing love Henrietta presents in Silent Sky, our lineup features a variety of romance that everyone can relate to in some form.

The Taming of the Shrew
“I burn, I pine, I perish.” - Act 1, Scene 1

Tackling complicated themes on the social constructs of marriage and the patriarchy, Director Valerie Rachelle is returning to the Festival after directing the tooth-achingly sweet romance of Jane Austen’s Emma The Musical last season.

Following the storyline of complicated relationships, The Taming of the Shrew is teeming with the concept of love and its pursuits. In Rachelle’s director vision statement, she notes that the play can seem problematic for a contemporary audience, but “ultimately it is a comedy that can show us the flaws in the social construct that we still have today about gender roles within the institution of marriage.”

In regards to navigating the difficulty of these topics, Rachelle will use satire.

“We can laugh at the power struggle as long as we are all in on the joke together and the audience and [actors] of the play know this is a satirical comment on the flaws of the system,” Rachelle said.

On a lighter note, perhaps a viewing of 10 Things I Hate About You, the 1999 romantic comedy starring Heath Ledger, would be a fun way to prepare for the 2024 production of The Taming of the Shrew, as the movie is based off of the play.

The Winter’s Tale
“There rooted betwixt them then such an affection, which cannot choose but branch now.” - Act 1, Scene 1

This play explores different kinds of love, such as that between lovers, friends, and family members. The main romantic relationship in this Shakespeare play is between King Leontes and his wife Hermione, which tows the line between love and tragedy. Another important relationship is the friendship between Paulina and Hermione.

Full of extreme passion and jealousy, this play is a fiery representation of the madness into which love sometimes drives us. The complex story also tells of forgiveness, redemption, and ultimate sacrifice.

Henry VIII
“I beseech you now with all my heart, definitely to let me know your whole mind as to the love between us.” - Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn

The love in Henry VIII is tumultuous. Divorcing Catherine of Aragon and then marrying the younger Anne Boleyn, Henry and Anne’s love was taboo. However, it’s speculated that Boleyn’s wit drew the king to her, suggesting a genuine affection and love between the pairing.

After a string of divorces, is Henry VIII really a hopeless romantic or a politcal player? Perhaps he had six wives . . . but one true love.

The Mountaintop
“Shuga, shush. You just a man. If I was a man, I’d be starin’ at me too.” - Camae to MLK

While we find that Camae is much more than just a sassy hotel maid and fictional object of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s current attention, the flirting between the two serves to examine themes of mortality and duality. Camae’s self-confidence and humor is loveable. But ultimately, their interaction allows audience members to delve deeper into the complicated psyche and struggle of one of America’s best known leaders.

Much Ado About Nothing
“I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.” - Act IV, scene 1

In our recent fun facts article on Much Ado About Nothing, we discussed how the characters Beatrice and Benedick have inspired many a couple. Some say Jane Austen took inspiration for her characters of Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Similarities between Shakespeare’s couple and Scarlett and Rhett in Gone With the Wind can also be seen in their fire and wit.

But, all is not fair in love and war, and much of the romance is twisted with confusion, miscommunication, and masquerading. What’s real and what isn’t? Come see this summer!

Silent Sky
“My heart is beating like a train. That’s your fault.” - Peter Shaw

Perhaps the most obvious romance in Lauren Gunderson’s play is the budding romance between Peter and Henrietta, although we won’t reveal how their relationship plays out. Peter’s exclamation of love is quite swoon-worthy:

“Your mind and spirit . . . I quite adore those things about you. And I don’t expect you to reciprocate immediately or at all, but I feared combusting if I didn’t tell you that you’ve been the brightest object in my day since we met. And we work with stars.”

But perhaps even more profound is Henrietta’s love for her work. Her deep desire to ask and seek the answers to the universe is moving and inspiring. Ultimately, Henrietta’s true love is the stars, and what an extraordinary love it is.

It’s not too early to get your tickets to join us for a season of love. Visit bard.org to purchase tickets and for more information about the plays.