THE TEMPEST, HENRY IV, I HATE HAMLET and More Set for 2014 Colorado Shakespeare Festival

The Colorado Shakespeare Festival will follow up its critically acclaimed, popular 2013 season with a lineup that includes humor, pathos, magic and mystery, including some plays that haven't been performed at CSF for nearly 15 years.

"The Tempest" - Shakespeare's beloved final play includes all the elements that have kept his work alive and fresh for nearly 500 years - magic, romance, high adventure, humor and pathos. Directed by Geoffrey Kent, director of CSF's 2013 smash hit, "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

"Henry IV, Part 1" - The second leg in the four-play "Henriad" cycle, begun in 2012 with "Richard II," introduces the licentious, crafty Falstaff and begins Prince Hal's ascension to the throne of England. Our most traditional production of the season. Last performed at CSF in 1999.

"Henry IV, Part 2" - There will be just two very special "original practices" performances - Shakespeare as it might have been done in his own time - about Prince Hal's rise in stature and his old advisor Falstaff's descent into debauchery. Last performed at CSF in 1999.

"The Merry Wives of Windsor" - Falstaff takes a comic turn at the heart of one of Shakespeare's most hilarious farces, as his efforts to woo two marriEd English ladies result in his being punk'd. Set in a 1960s Catskills vacation resort, you can expect a little flair of "dirty dancing." Last performed at CSF in 1999.

"I Hate Hamlet" - When a rising young Hollywood star accepts the role of Hamlet at Shakespeare in the Park, everyone thinks he's nuts - and that's before he starts getting advice from the ghost of the great Shakespearean actor John Barrymore. A comic romp that also explores the meaning of Shakespeare in the modern world. Written by New Yorker contributor Paul Rudnick, screenwriter of the "Addams Family" films. Never before performed at CSF.

"These are some of our all-time favorite plays by and about Shakespeare. You could call it the CSF 'staff picks,'" says Tim Orr, interim producing artistic director for the festival. "The early concept conversations we're having with our returning directors and designers - and our passion for these plays and their language - point to some amazing, moving, hilarious and entertaining theater. It'll be a season to remember."

CSF is also pleased to announce that starting this season, there will be sales of regular beer and wine in the Mary Rippon Outdoor Theatre, University Theatre and in the adjacent Shakespeare Garden for picnicking. Previously, only sales of 3.2-percent alcohol beverages were permitted inside the theaters.

"This now means you can enjoy a beer or glass of wine with a picnic and carry it right into the theater with you," Orr says.

Alcohol use is still prohibited outside the licensed area.

Season tickets for 2014 will go on sale Nov. 4 by phone or in person. Patrons may call the box office at 303-492-8008 or buy in person at the University Club on the CU-Boulder campus from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Online sales for season tickets will be available starting Nov. 11 at coloradoshakes.org. Single-tickets will go on sale Dec. 9 online, by phone or in person.

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