Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing

Free Shakespeare in the Park Comes to Stubbs Park Aug. 1

The Centerville Arts Commission will welcome the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company to Stubbs Park on Saturday, August 1, for a free outdoor performance of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

The free show begins at 7:00 p.m. at the Stubbs Park Amphitheater, 255 W. Spring Valley Road. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of live theater under the stars. Sweet P’s Handcrafted Ice Pops will also be on site with treats available for purchase.

This year’s production is set in 1776 in recognition of America 250, the national celebration commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

One of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies, Much Ado About Nothing follows two sparring skeptics, Beatrice and Benedick, whose witty war of words masks something far more tender. Packed with mistaken identities, overheard conversations and joyful chaos, the production offers a lively mix of romance, humor and mischief.

The touring production features an ensemble of eight actors. Eva Olivia Catanzariti, who appeared in the company’s 2025 park tour of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, returns as Beatrice. University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music student Sam Hopper will make his Cincinnati Shakespeare Company debut as Benedick.

The ensemble also includes Kennedy Kirkland, Bryce Nevison, Romeo Seay, Emily Renee Shimskey, Regan Utrup and Colin Waters.

Links & Tags

Stubbs Park

Shakespeare in the Park: Much Ado About Nothing is taking place at Stubbs Park, which is located at 255 W. Spring Valley Road in Centerville. Stubbs Park - Leonard E. Stubbs Memorial Park & Centerville Community Amphitheater is located west of S.R. 48 along the north side of W. Spring Valley Rd. next to the Centerville Police Building. Stubbs Park provides numerous amenities to the public including state-of-the-art playground equipment, basketball and tennis courts, and an inline skating rink.

City of Centerville.

City of Centerville - Official profile for the City of Centerville