‘Romeo & Juliet’ coming to Wheaton’s Shakespeare in the Park Aug. 27-29

Posted August 21, 2026 10:26 pm

By Margie Muto, Wheaton Park District

Wheaton College Arena Theater and the Wheaton Park District will present “Romeo & Juliet,” the 2026 production of the celebrated Shakespeare in the Park outdoor theater series at Memorial Park in Wheaton. Performances will be at 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, Aug. 27-29, at the park, 225 Karlskoga Ave.

The event is free and open to the public. The park 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. It 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.

The greatest love story of all time, “Romeo & Juliet,” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare about the romance between two young Italians from feuding families.

“The partnership between the Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College has created a truly unique cultural experience for our community. By combining the college's talented Arena Theater students and alumni with the park district's commitment to providing exceptional community experiences, Shakespeare in the Park has become a cherished summer tradition,” said Megann Panek, special event manager.

Shakespeare in the Park co-founder Andy Mangin, who is directing the summer production, 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.

“This is our first time doing a tragedy --- albeit one that everyone knows. Although written over 400 years ago, the truth ‘R and J’ contains about the power of love and hate carries through to today. We are excited to share this story with the Wheaton community,” said Andy Mangin, associate professor of theater, Arena Theater.

For information, visit wheatonparkdistrict.com/shakespeare/.