Shakespeare In The Park To Stage ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

GENEVA, IL — This summer’s iteration of Shakespeare in the Park will bring “Much Ado About Nothing” to Geneva’s Island Park.

Goodly Creatures Theatre will perform the comedy at 6 p.m. Aug. 2. The free, family-friendly production will run for about 90 minutes.

“Much Ado About Nothing” explores the effect of gossip, rumors and illusion on two relationships.

The synopsis, per the Geneva Chamber of Commerce: “Claudio and Hero are engaged and in love but Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero has been unfaithful to him. At their wedding ceremony, Claudio shames and rejects Hero. Will she be able to clear her name? Meanwhile witty Beatrice and confirmed bachelor Benedick are engaged in a “merry war” of clever insults and arguments. Can the other characters make them see they are really in love by deceiving them?”

The show is suitable for all ages.

“Our mission is to make [the show] accessible to all, and so we ensure that we use our body language and comic opportunities to propel the story forward,” Goodly Creatures director Katrina Syrris said in a statement. “Delivery is everything.”

Seating will begin at 4 p.m. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Show-goers are also welcome to pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches, drinks and ice cream from Stockholm’s Restaurant and Graham’s Fine Chocolates.

Before the production, guests will have the chance to win prizes for most elaborate picnic and audience member who traveled the furthest to see the show.

Parking will be available at the Kane County Government Center, 719 Batavia Ave., and at downtown Geneva public lots.

If the show is rained out, it will be rescheduled to Aug. 3.