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Trilogy Repertory Presents Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing"

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 07/26/2022

(BERNARDS TOWNSHIP, NJ) -- As the second production in the Bernards Township “Plays in the Park” series,  Trilogy Repertory presents Much Ado About Nothing at Pleasant Valley Park on July 29, 30, and August 4, 5, and 6 at 8:00pm.  Free to the public, audiences are encouraged to bring a flashlight, lawn chair, or blanket to enjoy free live theater under the stars.  

This witty comedy revolves around the battle of the sexes and offers a story of love found, lost and found again.  Along with these themes, there is a background of intrigue and a host of comical characters.  Director Alicia Harabin of Somerville has set the play in the period immediately following World War I.  Soldiers returning from the Rhine become involved in romantic entanglements and the principal characters are manipulated in and out of love.  This production examines some more contemporary themes and gender-neutral casting presents some non-traditional surprises.  

This is the 40th year of award winning free live theater in the park sponsored by the Bernards Township Recreation Department and produced by Trilogy Repertory.  Donations to support the program are welcomed.  For further information or directions call Bernards Recreation at 908 204-3003.  

Each year, Trilogy Repertory endeavors to present shows in the Spring and Fall at the Fellowship Cultural Arts Center, as well as traveling children’s participation theater performed in local libraries. Each summer, two shows are produced at the Pleasant Valley Park amphitheater. Historical programs are presented to students and community at the Boudinot-Southard-Ross property. Fourth grade students visit the site as part of their history curriculum. Trilogy performs historical plays chronicling the life of Elias Boudinot, who developed the property in the 1760s. These events are presented free of charge. Trilogy also offers educational outreach programs including teen cabaret (performing opportunities to future stars). Trilogy conducts theater and costume workshops at museums and local schools. Costumes and props from our collection have been made available to countless schools and organizations, enhancing the production value of their shows.

PHOTO:  Featured L to R are Lizzie Engleberth of Denville as Hero, Kyle Watkins of Basking Ridge as Claudio, Juliet Hommes of Branchburg as Beatrice and Tim Russo of Somerset as Benedick.




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EVENT PREVIEWS

(CAPE MAY, NJ) -- On Thursday, July 16, 2026, James Rana will read the first chapter of Vladimir Nabokov's "Pnin" at The Dormer House in Cape May. Every Thursday through October 15, Classic American Tales (CAT) presents stories written by noteworthy authors, read by a variety of performers, with lemonade and homemade desserts also served. Showtime is 4:00pm.

Skyline Theatre Company presents Shakespeare on the Porch with "Much Ado About Nothing"

(BLOOMFIELD, NJ) -- Skyline Theatre Company presents Much Ado About Nothing with performances July 17-18, 2026 as part of its Shakespeare on the Porch series. The Bard's ultimate rom-com comes to life on the porch of the Oakeside Mansion.

Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's "Descendants: The Musical" this weekend

(GLEN RIDGE, NJ) -- Gas Lamp Junior presents Disney's Descendants: The Musical from July 17-18, 2026 at the Ridgewood Avenue School with a different cast each night. Based on the popular Disney Channel Original Movies, this is a musical jam-packed with comedy, adventure, Disney characters, and hit songs from the films!

Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot

(MONTVILLE, NJ) -- Aspire Performing Arts Company presents Green Day's American Idiot from July 17-19, 2026 at the Barn Theatre. The band's powerhouse album is brought to life in this electric-rock musical of youthful disillusion. The production features two sets of casts.

The Theater Project presents "Too Fat For China" by Phoebe Potts

(UNION, NJ) -- The Theater Project presents Too Fat For China from July 17-19, 2026 in the DMK Black Box Theater. Comedian Phoebe Potts' one-woman show follows the surprises and painful realizations of her adoption journey with humor and candor.
CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr." this weekend at UCPAC

(RAHWAY, NJ) -- CAU Community Players present their 15th Anniversary show, Seussical Jr., at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) from July 17-19, 2026. This is a vibrant, family-friendly musical that brings the whimsical world of Dr. Seuss to life on stage.
"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

"Chip and Gus" - a comedy with balls comes to Florham Park on July 20th

(FLORHAM PARK, NJ) -- On Monday, July 20, 2026, Chip and Gus, a comedy with balls will be presented at The Thomas H. Kean Theatre Factory. The play is performed, directed, and created by John Ahlin & Christopher Patrick Mullen. Showtime is 7:30pm.

Off Book Productions present "The Women of Congress" outside HACPAC

(HACKENSACK, NJ) -- Travel back to 1776 with Off Book Productions for a free outdoor musical performance of The Women of Congress at the at the Atlantic Street Park at Hackensack Performing Arts Center. Performances take place Wednesdays July 15th and 22nd, 2026 at 7:30pm.
Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

Trilogy Repertory presents "Shrek, The Musical" in Basking Ridge

(BASKING RIDGE, NJ) -- Bernards Township Parks & Recreation and Trilogy Repertory presents Shrek, The Musical across two weekends from July 16-25, 2026 at Pleasant Valley Park Amphitheater in Basking Ridge. Everyone's favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar-winning, smash hit film. Admission is free; bring your own lawnchairs and enjoy the show! Showtime is 8:00pm.

The Blue Moon Theatre presents "Where the Lost Children Play"

(WOODSTOWN, NJ) -- The Blue Moon Theatre presents Where the Lost Children Play across two weekends from July 17-26, 2026. This is a dystopian stage play by Hannah Lee DeFrates. It follows two young women, Willow and Poppy, navigating a grim society.
 

FEATURED EVENTS


Vivid Summer Solos: "Long Drive Home" by Stephen Kaplan

Wednesday, July 15, 2026 @ 6:30pm
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey
68 Elm Street, Summit, NJ


Mala Aria

Thursday, July 16, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


My Fair Lady

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Grunin Center - Main Stage
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ


The Little Mermaid

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


CAU Community Players present "Seussical Jr."

Friday, July 17, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) - Main Stage
1601 Irving Street, Rahway, NJ



 

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