(MONTCLAIR, NJ) -- The Montclair Foundation and Studio Players will present Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing outside at Van Vleck House and Gardens across two weekends from July 10-18, 2026. This is no ordinary stage production, it’s an immersive theatrical experience.
The expansive gardens and the period interiors of the house will be completely transformed into the site of a comedy of errors.
Audience members will find themselves in the heart of the action as Shakespearean actors bring the story of love, betrayal, and comedic misunderstandings to life throughout the gardens.
The cast includes Michael Smith-Gallo (Benedick), Lydia De Souza (Beatrice), Jackie Kuczinski (Hero), Gabe Michelson (Claudio), Bill Barry (Leonato), Chaz Turner (Antonio), Jeff Taylor (Don Pedro), Atilla Toy (Don John), Matt Delhauer (Borachio), Laurie Delinois (Conrade), Samantha Egge (Ursula), Rosy Lum (Margaret), Marilyn Woodhull (Dogberry), Ron Leir (Verges), Demetrius Acevedo (Balthazar and others), Collin Wehr (Messenger and others), and Barry Roy (Friar Francis)
Performances take place Friday, July 10; Saturday, July 11; Thursday, July 16; Friday, July 17, and Saturday, July 18. All shows are sold out. Van Vleck House & Gardens is located at 21 Van Vleck Street in Montclair, New Jersey.
NOTE: This production will lead the audience on an adventure throughout the entirety of the 5-acre gardens and the first floor of the house. Seating will be provided at certain points throughout the performance, and water will be available for audience members (free of charge), but guests will be traversing small flights of stairs (interior and exterior) and longer distances of natural terrain.
While Van Vleck House & Gardens does have handicap-accessibility to many of its spaces, the pace of the movement and transitions throughout the space may prove a challenge for patrons with mobility issues, and they may miss sizable portions of the show.
