began in 1990, when I went on a high school field trip to the Stratford Theatre Festival in Ontario, Canada where we saw Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and The Merry Wives of Windsor. Although I'd read Shakespeare in English class, this was my first time seeing any of his plays performed live on stage.

Before this trip, I loved theater. I acted in high school and would go on to major in theater in college. But on this trip, seeing Shakespeare performed on stage by a professional company was different. His plays came to life.

This experience sparked my lifelong love of Shakespeare. After that trip, I set a goal to see all of his 38 plays. I thought this goal might take a few years. But alas! It ended up taking 33.

Why so long? Well, life got in the way. Seeing his plays took a backseat. But my goal ignited again in 2016 when my Mom and I went to NYC to see Sir Kenneth Branagh in Macbeth. I realized then I’d let go of a life goal. So, I set out again to finish what I started. It took a few more years, but finally, in 2023, I saw the last play I needed—Antony & Cleopatra.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see Shakespeare’s plays performed all over the U.S. and UK. I’ve seen around 100 different productions since 1990. His famous plays, such as Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night, I've seen dozens of times. Others, like Henry VIII, only once.

Which are my favorites? Macbeth (2016 in NYC), King Lear (2024 in NYC), and The Tempest (2026) all starring my favorite British actor, Sir Kenneth Branagh.

So now that I’ve seen all of Shakespeare’s plays at least once, I’ve set a new goal: to see all 38 plays again. But this time, in as few years as possible.

Join me on my journey! I’m not sure how long it will take this time, but I'll be sharing my thoughts on each production, as well as what it's like to see all 38 plays again. Plus, I'll be posting about my favorite past performances that helped me reach my goal the first time.

Adieu for now,