(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.