The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing – Puppet Edition

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Kelley Faulkner

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.

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association.
**Member of Actors’ Equity Association or appearing under an AEA contract.

Free Outdoor Performance

July 12, 1-6:30pm: Wisconsin Lutheran College, 8800 W Bluemound Rd, Milwaukee
July 13, 1-6:30pm: Washington Park, 1859 N 40th St, Milwaukee
July 19, 1-6:30pm: Humboldt Park, 3000 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee
July 20, 1-6:30pm: Sherman Park, 3000 N Sherman Blvd, Milwaukee
July 26, 1-6:30pm: Mitchell Park, 524 S Layton Blvd, Milwaukee
July 27, 1-6:30pm: Grant Park (Area 5), 100 E Hawthorne Ave, South Milwaukee
August 2, 1-6:30pm: Lake Park, 2975 N Lake Park Rd, Milwaukee
August 3, 1-6:30pm: Forest Home Cemetery & Arboretum, 2405 W Forest Home Ave, Milwaukee
August 9, 1-6:30pm: Kern Park, 3614 N Humboldt Blvd, Milwaukee
August 10, 1-6:30pm: Lincoln Park, 1301 W Hampton Ave, Glendale
August 17, 1-6:30pm: Wisconsin Avenue Park, 1020 N 92nd St, Wauwatosa

Addresses are provided above, however, please check the show page for exact performance location on each property.

For more information visit: www.optimisttheatre.org/shakespeare-in-the-park-2025.html

Produced by Optimist Theatre, Inc. at Milwaukee and beyond,

Performances: July 12 - August 17, 2025

Performance Times:
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

Registration Strongly Recommended. Visit: secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/9IOPVfNv4RmkJozG92A3_g

For more information visit: www.optimisttheatre.org/shakespeare-in-the-park-2025.html

Free admission

Call for reservations or more information.