Naked Shakes’ “Much Ado About Nothing” at Elings Park

Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” is one of the most famous “rom-coms” of all time, with its budding romances, meddling villains, potential catastrophes, and witty banter between enemies-to-lovers Benedick and Beatrice. Elings Park presents the award-winning ensemble Naked Shakes in this popular comedy for two outdoor performances in Godric Grove on Friday, September 6 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 8 at 3 p.m.

Performed in their hallmark style of minimal props and simple costumes, Naked Shakes puts the focus on the abilities of the actors and the brilliant words of the Bard. Director Irwin Appel’s original production is filled with music, dance, and revelry, and is scored by a live jazz quintet.

 Advance general admission tickets are $17 for adults, $13 for teens and seniors, and free for children under 12. Available online at www.elingspark.org. Tickets will be sold at the door, as available, at $20 for adults and $15 for teens and seniors.

 “Naked Shakes productions are ‘unplugged,’ exciting, and accessible to audiences of all ages,” says Dean Noble, executive director of Elings Park. “The young actors are energetic, nimble, and whole-heartedly committed to conveying both the humor and heartache in this beloved farce.”

 This is the second of two Shakespeare plays presented this summer in the Park’s scenic Godric Grove amphitheater. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum one of their signature production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” on Saturday, August 17 was sold-out.

 “There’s nothing quite like experiencing these wonderful plays in the open air and under the oaks in Godric Grove,” adds Noble. “We’d love the Park to become a destination for summer Shakespeare.”

 Now in its 19th year, Naked Shakes is a UCSB ensemble that annually produces a Shakespearean play under the direction of Professor Irwin Appel. Critically acclaimed and award-winning, they not only perform on campus but have transported productions to the Southwest Shakespeare Company at Taliesin West (Scottsdale, Arizona), the Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles, Westmont College, and Center Stage Theater in downtown Santa Barbara. In the summer of 2023, they performed in Italy’s Verona Shakespeare Fringe Festival, performing “The Death of Kings,” their acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare’s history plays. Visit www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu/performance-programs/naked-shakes.

 “Whether you are a Shakespeare lover or you have never seen a live theater production in your life, Naked Shakes’ ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is for you,” says Appel. “Sit back, relax and prepare to laugh and cry your way through this wild ride and deeply emotional and joyous adventure.”