Join Milwaukee's Free Shakespeare in the Park for The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing – Puppet Edition, performed in totally rad summer beach party style! Enjoy live Renaissance music (with a twist) from Early Music Now, plus themed games, workshops, and demos from The PLAY’s the Thing.
Optimist Theatre's free Shakespeare in the Park presents of The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing – Puppet Edition
Grab your lawn chair and picnic snacks for a totally rad Shakespearean summer—where sun, swagger, and sharp-tongued banter rule the stage! This year’s productions, The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing, are reimagined with 1980s beach party flair, blending big laughs, bold choices, and a few surprises under the neon sky.
Each show day is a full experience. Before and between performances, The PLAY’s the Thing brings hands-on activities inspired by Shakespeare, theatre, and ‘80s pop culture. Early Music Now musicians will set the scene, performing Renaissance-era music in tubular 1980s beach attire.
Both plays are performed by the same trio of powerhouse actors. Shrew runs approximately 80 minutes, while the puppet-powered Much Ado is a breezy 45-minute romp. Expect quick changes, brilliant physical comedy and inventive staging (and puppetry in Much Ado!).
Abridged and directed by Kelley Faulkner,* with stage management by Melissa L. Wanke.* Featuring SitP favorite Libby Amato** and introducing George Lorimer** and Kailey Azure Green.
Free Outdoor Performances.
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association.
**Member of Actors’ Equity Association or appearing under an AEA contract.
Daily Schedule***
1:00 PM – Seating Opens, The PLAY’s the Thing Activities Begin
2:00 PM – Much Ado About Nothing – Puppet Edition
2:45 PM – The PLAY’s the Thing tent reopens
4:10 PM – Early Music Now Performance
5:00 PM – The Taming of the Shrew
Show Location:
Wisconsin Avenue Park
1020 N 92nd St, Wauwatosa, WI 53226
Sunday, August 17, 2025 at 1:00 PM
*** Daily schedule is subject to change and addresses guide to the site but not the exact performance location; please visit
tinyurl.com/SitP-MKE-2025 for full details)
Registration Strongly Recommended:
https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/lz9hs5-PBIs8kkurnxuDsg
For more information visit:
https://www.optimisttheatre.org/shakespeare-in-the-park-2025.html
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