(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) will re-open its ever-popular Outdoor Stage venue with performances of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing throughout July. Since 2002, the company’s annual productions at this Greek-style amphitheater, located on the bucolic campus of Saint Elizabeth University, have provided thousands of people throughout the region with delightful productions under the stars. As always, this summer’s show is a comedy and appropriate for all ages – from the youngest tots to venerable seniors.

The four-week run of Much Ado About Nothing is directed by Eleanor Holdridge who is in her first season with STNJ. Ms. Holdridge is one of the nation’s most prominent directors of Shakespeare and other classics, as well as new work. The performances will run until July 31st. The production features the largest cast seen on the Outdoor Stage in quite some time, with an ensemble of 23 actors, including many familiar STNJ veterans along with members of their 2022 Acting Fellow Company.

Artistic Director, Bonnie J. Monte said, “We are so excited to be bringing an epic-size cast back to the Outdoor Stage in this important re-opening season. This is the first time that we’ll be presenting Shakespeare’s popular comedy Much Ado About Nothing at the Outdoor Stage, and we could not be more thrilled than to have the prestigious Eleanor Holdridge at the helm. She has created a joyous, rollicking carnivale atmosphere for the piece, and the acting company is a superb and diverse ensemble of long-time company members as well as many newcomers. It’s a fantastic way to continue the celebration of our 60th anniversary and our 20th anniversary of our partnership with Saint Elizabeth University.”

Leading the cast in the iconic roles of Beatrice and Benedick are Broadway veterans Benjamin Eakeley and Jesmille Darbouze. Other leading roles are played by prominent company members including Michael Stewart Allen as Dogberry, Raphael Nash Thompson as Leonato, Richard Bourg as Antonio and Verges, James Michael Reilly as Don Pedro, and Fiona Robberson as Hero.

The creative team includes Charlie Calvert (Scenic Designer), Hunter Kaczarowski (Costume Designer), Scott Killian (Composer & Sound Designer), Danielle Liccardo (Dance Consultant), Christopher Peifer (Co-Sound Designer), Matthew Weisgable (Lighting Designer), Jackie Mariani (Rehearsal Production Stage Manager), and Austen Howard (Performance Stage Manager).

The company continues their Free Tickets for Kids 17 and Under program, as well as its $30 Under 30 ticket price for adults 30 and under. All other adult tickets will be $40 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday evenings. Adult tickets for Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and the 4:00 p.m. Sunday Twilight Performances are $45. All performances other than the 4:00pm with Sunday Twilight Shows beginning at 8:00pm. The free ticket program is generously supported by Dr. W. John Bauer and Nancy B. Boucher, and the Madison and WestfieldRotary Clubs. 

The acclaimed Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey is an independent, professional theatre company whose Main Stage is located on the Drew University campus. One of the leading Shakespeare theatres in the nation, it is New Jersey’s largest professional theatre company dedicated solely to Shakespeare’s canon and other world classics. Through its distinguished productions and education programs, the company strives to illuminate the universal and lasting relevance of the classics for a diverse and contemporary audience.

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as funds from the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional major support is received from the F.M. Kirby Foundation, The Shubert Foundation, The Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, The Hearst Foundations, The Edward T. Cone Foundation, CTW Foundation, The Samuel H. Scripps Foundation, The Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation, The Rita Allen Foundation, Bank of America, E.J. Grassmann Trust, Hyde and Watson Foundation, Union Foundation, The Merrill G. and Emita E. Hastings Foundation, Turrell Fund, and the Jack K. Ayre & Frank Ayre Lee Foundation, as well as contributions from numerous other foundations, corporations, government agencies, and individuals.