Oak Park Festival Theatre's The Winter's Tale will run at Austin Gardens (167 Forest Ave., Oak Park) through Sunday, Aug. 20.
The Winter's Tale marks Oak Park Festival Theatre's return to the stage after a devastating fire destroyed its offices and archives last winter. After two years of a global pandemic disproportionately impacting the financial and artistic health of the entire theater community, the fire threatened to end the company entirely. However, its supporters helped nurture resilience and, once again, outdoor theater lovers have a place to gather and enjoy classic works.
William Shakespeare's romance play plunges into tragedy before finding joy and redemption. The Winter's Tale follows a once-beloved king, Leontes, who begins to veer toward autocratic, tyrannical rule, blinded by a self-deluding jealousy. After accusing his faithful queen of infidelity with his best friend and nearly destroying his family and his kingdom, the Delphic oracle turns the tables by proclaiming that "the king shall live without an heir if that which is lost be not found."
Oak Park Festival Theatre's production of The Winter's Tale is adapted and directed by Artistic Associate Kevin Theis.
Tickets are available at www.oakparkfestival.com; general admission tickets are $38, with discounts for seniors, students and industry workers. Group tickets are available for groups of 10 or more.