Free Shakespeare in the Park Tour Kicks off July 14th

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company (CSC) has announced its much-anticipated schedule of this summer’s FREE Shakespeare in the Park tour, featuring the favorite comedy Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare directed by CSC’s Robert Carlon Stimmel.

Between July 14 and September 6, over 40 parks across the tri-state area will host free performances 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.  A complete schedule can be found on their website.

Nearby performances include:

Mt. Adams
Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, September 6 at 7:00 PM
Eden Park
Seasongood Pavilion
1600 Art Museum Dr.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

Ault Park
Friday, August 14 at 7:00 PM
Cincinnati Parks
Ault Park
5090 Observatory Cir., Cincinnati, OH 45208

Columbia Tusculum
Sunday, August 30 at 1:00 PM
The Carnegie Center of Columbia Tusculum
Inside the Carnegie Center
3738 Eastern Ave.
Cincinnati, OH 45226

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, this beloved classic is one of Shakespeare’s most enduring comedies. This production of Much Ado About Nothing is set in 1776 tohonor “America 250” the national celebration of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Bringing this Shakespeare classic to a park near you is an ensemble of eight fantastic actors. Last seen in 2025’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Eva Olivia Catanzariti returns to the park tour as Beatrice. Making his CSC debut is CCM student Sam Hopper as Benedick. Rounding out the ensemble are Kennedy Kirkland, Bryce Nevison, Romeo Seay, Emily Renee Shimskey, Regan Utrup, and Colin Waters.

Can’t get to a performance? CSC has you covered. From 7:00-8:00 PM on August 29, audiences across the Tri-State can experience FREE Shakespeare in the Park in a whole new way by listening to 91.7 WVXU for a live radio drama version of “Much Ado About Nothing” featuring the same cast from the park summer tour! After more than a dozen successful airings of Cincy Shakes radio dramas on WVXU starting in 2020, this marks the first-ever LIVE broadcast performance, presented in partnership with Cincinnati Public Radio. Performed live by the cast from the CPR studios in Evanston, the one-hour production brings Shakespeare into your home on the radio and offers audiences a fresh new way to enjoy this beloved comedy. Limited in-person RSVP opportunities to attend the live recording will be announced at a later date.

These productions, featuring one of Shakespeare’s classic plays, are open to all, with no tickets or RSVP required. Bring your blankets or lawn chairs and enjoy an evening of entertainment under the stars. For questions regarding a specific location’s policies on parking, outside food and drink, etc., please contact the venue directly or visit our website at cincyshakes.com/park.