Cincy Shakes brings ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ to 40 parks

The Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is taking “Much Ado About Nothing” on the road this summer, bringing free performances of Shakespeare’s comedy to more than 40 parks across the Tristate.

The annual Shakespeare in the Park tour runs from July 14 through Sept. 6, with stops planned in Hamilton, Warren, Butler, Montgomery, Miami and Clermont counties in Ohio; Kenton, Mason, Boone and Grant counties in Kentucky; and Dearborn, Franklin and Wayne counties in Indiana.

Director Robert Carlon Stimmel sets this version of “Much Ado About Nothing” in 1776 as part of the national “America 250” celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The play follows Beatrice and Benedick, whose constant verbal jabs slowly give way to romance amid a swirl of mistaken identities, gossip and overheard conversations.

Eva Olivia Catanzariti returns to the park tour as Beatrice after appearing in last year’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Sam Hopper, a student at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, will make his CSC debut as Benedick. Kennedy Kirkland, Bryce Nevison, Romeo Seay, Emily Renee Shimskey, Regan Utrup and Colin Waters round out the cast.

A live radio version heads to WVXU

Later in the summer, CSC and Cincinnati Public Radio will bring the production indoors for a live radio broadcast on WVXU.

The station will air a one-hour adaptation of “Much Ado About Nothing” from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 29, featuring the same cast from the touring production performing live from Cincinnati Public Radio’s Evanston studios.

CSC started producing radio dramas with WVXU in 2020, but this marks the first time the organizations will present the show live on air. Organizers plan to announce limited in-person RSVP opportunities for the broadcast at a later date.

The company said the two-decade-old park program continues to draw strong community support. According to survey data released by CSC, 97% of respondents said the performances positively impact their neighborhoods, while 89% said the free tour offers the easiest and most accessible way for them to attend live theater.

“This annual tradition reflects CSC’s commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, providing an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to experience the power of live theater in a casual and welcoming environment,” the company said in a statement.

The performances don’t require tickets or reservations. Audience members can bring blankets or lawn chairs to the parks.

CSC will also offer sign language-interpreted performances July 26 at Washington Park and Aug. 22 at Devou Park. The company plans to announce audio-described performance dates later this summer.