40th Anniversary “Free Shakespeare in the Park” (July 23 – Sept. 11)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Join us this summer for our 40th Anniversary of Free Shakespeare in the Park! We’ll be staging a production of Shakespeare’s delightful romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing.

This beloved classic features the intermingling of two different love stories – Hero and Claudio, whose love is challenged by jealousy, and Beatrice and Benedick who work through their past history with each other to find love again. The villainy of Don John and the malaprop-spouting Constable Dogberry add to the fun!

Cupertino: Memorial Park Amphitheater, Stevens Creek Blvd And Mary Ave

Saturday, July 23 at 6:00 pm (Preview)
Sunday, July 24 at 6:00 pm (Preview)
Friday, July 29 at 6:00 pm (Preview)
Saturday, July 30 at 6:00 pm (Opening)
Sunday, July 31at 6:00 pm
Friday, August 5 at 6:00 pm
Saturday, August 6 at 6:00 pm
Sunday, August 7 at 6:00 pm

Redwood City: Red Morton Park, Valota Rd & Vera Ave (Near Picnic Area #2)

Saturday, August 13 at 4:00 pm (Preview)
Sunday, August 14 at 4:00 pm (Opening)
Saturday, August 20 at 4:00 pm
Sunday, August 21 at 4:00 pm
Saturday, August 27 at 4:00 pm
Sunday, August 28 at 4:00 pm

San Francisco: Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, Mclaren Park

Saturday, September 3 at 2:00 pm (Preview)
Sunday, September 4 at 2:00 pm (Preview)
Monday (Labor Day), September 5 at 2:00 pm (Opening)
Saturday, September 10 at 2:00 pm
Sunday, September 11 at 2:00 pm

Much Ado’s humor isn’t purely escapist – the darker side of life is very much present, and the lovers have to be brave enough to take risks and be willing to change. “It feels like a good story for our 40th,” says Artistic Director Rebecca Ennals. “Beatrice and Benedick aren’t idealized young lovers, they have a history, and they’ve been burned in the past. Being brave enough to hope, to try again, to get back out there – their story feels right for this moment.”

We at the Festival believe that Shakespeare experienced in a communal setting elates the soul, inspires the mind, and unifies those who sit beside each other. We hope that you agree and we look forward to seeing you this summer!

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.