Emporia State University’s Summer Theatre presents the second show of 2026 this weekend with William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” The show, which will be staged outdoors, opens Thursday, June 25.
One of the Bard’s most famous comic romps, the ESU production adds a “Yacht Rock” concept to the show, which will be presented outdoors. Known for the brilliant war of words between the feisty Beatrice and the staunch bachelor Benedicke, “Much Ado About Nothing” plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party.
When Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon (Lewis Trotter, Lawrence), visits Leonato, Duke of Messina (Natthew Womble, Sedalia, Missouri), love antics ensue. War hero Claudio (Ashton Ramsey, Great Bend) falls in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero (Lexie Vega, Emporia), and their marriage is agreed upon. While marriage preparations ensue, Don Pedro schemes up a plan to make old flames and longtime bantering partners Benedicke (Colin Newland, Wichita) and Beatrice (Taylor Bisbee, Emporia) fall in love.
Despite Beatrice’s ire against Benedicke and his claims to being a confirmed bachelor, when both overhear that they have feelings for one another, they both begin to wonder whether love between them is possible. Meanwhile Don John (Hannah Fee, Emporia), the prince's misanthropic brother, contrives a more malicious plot to make Claudio believe his betrothed is unfaithful.
“Much Ado About Nothing” will be staged on the lawn of Beach Hall, near 12th Avenue and Market Street. A cash bar with show-themed drinks will be available throughout the performance for the ultimate nautical experience. Audience members should bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy this one-of-a-kind outdoor theatrical event.
Thanks to the generosity of Neil and Carol Roach, the show features four evening performances at 7:30 p.m. June 25 through 28. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, Theatre Guild members and ESU staff and faculty. ESU students are free. To order tickets, go online to emporia.link/theatre-tickets.
If the Kansas weather does not cooperate, individual presentations will move inside to Frederickson Theatre in Roosevelt Hall, just west of Beach Hall. ESU Theatre will make every effort to start the shows at their scheduled time.
Ticket holders will be notified via email should a necessary change in location occur before the performance begins. Tickets will not be refunded due to change in location.
he theatre program will send emails to ticket holders the day of any changes. Changes also will be shared via social media.