Austin Shakespeare Makes Much Ado About Nothing In Free Summer Show

Lone Star summers of sweat and mosquitoes might have you daydreaming about a European vacation filled with romantic hijinks. If you find yourself stuck in the Texas heat this year, however, Austin Shakespeare offers you the chance to escape to the Italian countryside with its free production of Much Ado About Nothing, which will host evening productions at Zilker Theater every Thursday through Sunday from May 7-24. 

“Much Ado is the original rom-com in many ways,” said lead actor Nick Lawson, who plays bachelor Benedick. “It’s more Taylor Swift than some English scholar’s take on it. Modern audiences will see it and connect to it right away.”

The Austin production adapts the 16th-century play to the 1950s. The post-neoclassical and surreal sets, vibrant costumes, and contemporary dances are heavily influenced by Italian filmmaker Federico Fellini, Spanish artist Salvador Dalí, and American culture’s postwar impact in Europe, said Austin Shakespeare Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella. 

“The costumes and scenery are reflective of black-and-white movies,” she said, “and the actors are all in vivid primary colors [with] 1950s flair.” Most of the dialogue is in prose rather than iambic pentameter, which Ciccolella said adds to its modern feel. “We don’t want it to sound like the Bible,” she laughed. Along with sets and costumes, the dances also reflect how American music was emerging in Italy at the time, like swing, rock & roll, and quick step. “It’s very fun and upbeat,” said choreographer Toni Bravo, “and reflects what was going on socially and politically at the time.” 

Much Ado is the latest in a line of Austin Shakespeare’s Free Shakespeare in the Park productions, which began in 1984 as an effort of the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. In partnership with the Long Center, the nonprofit theatre company brings together veteran and newer actors to present several shows a year, from classical productions to stage readings to opera and multilingual shows. This year, around a third of auditioners for the 18 cast roles were new to Austin, Ciccolella said, which brought emerging talent to the stage alongside veteran actors like Lawson.

Lawson said that Zilker shows are his favorite: “There’s no bad seats and you can’t complain about free theatre.” Since the play is meant to be performed outside and set in a courtyard, it also makes for an immersive and engaging audience experience, he said.  

Ciccolella believes that the light, fun, and comedic tone of the play makes it welcoming for those with little experience with Shakespeare, or who may be intimidated by the antiquated language. The organization also ensures productions are ASL-friendly, handicap-accessible, and welcoming to students. 

“We love to have something that is completely barrier-free,” Ciccolella said. “There is nothing more inviting than saying sit in the park, bring friends, and watch Shakespeare.”

This article appears in May 8 • 2026.