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Shakespeare in the Park presents The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing – Puppet Edition
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
Washington Park, 1859 N 40th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
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 Address: Washington Park, 1859 N 40th St, Milwaukee, WI 53208
We recommend using the address for the Washington Park Senior Center: 4420 W Vliet Street, Milwaukee, WI
This will bring you close to Olmsted Way, which runs diagonally through the park from southeast to northwest. Enter Olmsted Way from Vliet Street, just east of the Senior Center.
🧭 GPS for Entry Point: 43.04892, -87.96548
You can also enter the park via W Washington Blvd, which turns into Olmstead Way.
Please check the show page for exact performance location on each property.
Registration Strongly Recommended. Visit: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/SSSMobrTJ8RuQ_2h6ePcfw
For more information visit: https://www.optimisttheatre.org/shakespeare-in-the-park-2025.html
