Shakespeare in the Park returns to Wheaton’s Memorial Park Aug. 28-30

Margie Wilhelmi
Director of Marketing, Wheaton Park District
630-510-4984 | [email protected]

WHEATON—Wheaton College Arena Theater and the Wheaton Park District are proud to present “THE WINTER’S TALE” the 2025 production of the celebrated Shakespeare in the Park outdoor theater series at Memorial Park in Wheaton.

“The Winter’s Tale” will run Thursday, Aug. 28, through Saturday, Aug. 30; the event is free and open to the public. Performances begin at 7 p.m.; Memorial Park (located at 225 Karlskoga Ave.) will open for attendees each evening at 5:30 p.m. Guests are strongly encouraged to bring bag chairs and/or blankets, as stadium seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. A special pre-performance puppet show will begin each night at 6:45 p.m. Concessions will be available including pizza, popcorn and soft drinks.

“We are excited to be partnering again with Wheaton College Arena Theater and to bring ‘The Winter’s Tale’ to the Wheaton community,” says Wheaton Park District special events coordinator Sammi Catanzaro. “There’s nothing quite like Shakespeare in the Park—an incredible chance to enjoy top-tier theater, right in town, with talented professionals and students sharing the stage. Best of all? It’s free and open to everyone!”

William Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, follows the tragic descent into jealousy of King Leontes of Sicilia, who wrongly accuses his wife, Hermione, of infidelity with his friend King Polixenes of Bohemia. This leads to Hermione’s imprisonment, the abandonment of their daughter Perdita, and the death of their son, Mamillius. Years later, Perdita, unaware of her royal heritage, falls in love with Polixenes’ son, Florizel. The play culminates in a reunion, forgiveness, and the miraculous return of Hermione, resolving the tragedy with hope and reconciliation.

Shakespeare in the Park co-founder Andy Mangin and “The Winter’s Tale” director is grateful for the long-running collaboration between Wheaton College Arena Theater and the Wheaton Park District—a collaboration that has allowed thousands of guests of all ages to enjoy theater under the stars since Shakespeare in the Park debuted in 2013.

“I’m very proud of our partnership with the Wheaton Park District and the success of this endeavor,” Mangin says. “We’re looking forward to another fantastic year of Shakespeare in the Park.”

For more information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/shakespeare/.

Photo by Caspar Carter