Shakespeare outdoors is a summer tradition throughout the US, including in Austin. This summer, the Penfold Theater in Round Rock (near Austin) will take a stab at the bard, with an outdoor production of 'Much Ado About Nothing'.
Classical theater represents something of a departure for the company, which is known for producing family-friendly fare, but the theater company has found an adaptation the Shakespearean comedy that strips away all but the main plot and is considerably simpler than the original play.
Theater companies that produce summertime shows or plays in the park can use poster printing to let area residents know about the performances.
Penfold's production of the play moves the location to a rural Texas farmhouse and the time period to the late 19th Century. The company has also managed to work line dancing and live music into the production, which centers around two people Beatrice and Benedick, who spend much of the play simultaneously quarreling and falling in love.
Several of the smaller roles in the original text have been either cut out or folded into other characters in the slimmed down adaptation. The villain of the play, Don Juan, is reduced to a stereotype.
The play runs Thursdays through Saturdays until June 23 at the Round Rock Amphitheater. Curtain time is at 8:00 pm and admission is free.
