Emporia State Summer Theatre Presents 'Much Ado About Nothing'
Emporia, KS (06/23/2026) — Emporia State University's Summer Theatre presents the second show of 2026 this weekend with William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." The show, which will be staged outdoors, opens Thursday, June 25.
One of the Bard's most famous comic romps, the ESU production adds a "Yacht Rock" concept to the show, which will be presented outdoors. Known for the brilliant war of words between the feisty Beatrice and the staunch bachelor Benedicke, "Much Ado About Nothing" plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party.
When Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon (Lewis Trotter, Lawrence), visits Leonato, Duke of Messina (Natthew Womble, Sedalia, Missouri), love antics ensue. War hero Claudio (Ashton Ramsey, Great Bend) falls in love with Leonato's daughter, Hero (Lexie Vega, Emporia), and their marriage is agreed upon. While marriage preparations ensue, Don Pedro schemes up a plan to make old flames and longtime bantering partners Benedicke (Colin Newland, Wichita) and Beatrice (Taylor Bisbee, Emporia) fall in love.
Despite Beatrice's ire against Benedicke and his claims to being a confirmed bachelor, when both overhear that they have feelings for one another, they both begin to wonder whether love between them is possible. Meanwhile Don John (Hannah Fee, Emporia), the prince's misanthropic brother, contrives a more malicious plot to make Claudio believe his betrothed is unfaithful.
"Much Ado About Nothing" will be staged on the lawn of Beach Hall, near 12th Avenue and Market Street. A cash bar with show-themed drinks will be available throughout the performance for the ultimate nautical experience. Audience members should bring lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy this one-of-a-kind outdoor theatrical event.
Thanks to the generosity of Neil and Carol Roach, the show features four evening performances at 7:30 p.m. June 25 through 28. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, Theatre Guild members and ESU staff and faculty. ESU students are free. To order tickets, go online to emporia.link/theatre-tickets.
If the Kansas weather does not cooperate, individual presentations will move inside to Frederickson Theatre in Roosevelt Hall, just west of Beach Hall. ESU Theatre will make every effort to start the shows at their scheduled time.
Ticket holders will be notified via email should a necessary change in location occur before the performance begins. Tickets will not be refunded due to change in location.
About Emporia State University
Emporia State University offers a range of academic programs through its seven schools: Applied Health Sciences, Business and Technology, Humanities and Social Sciences, Library and Information Management and Library and Archives, Science and Mathematics and Visual and Performing Arts, along with The Teachers College.
ESU stands out for its innovative education practices. It ensures accessible education by offering in-state tuition rates to full-time undergraduate students from all lower-48 United States. Additionally, full-time undergraduates benefit from flat-rate tuition - students enrolled in 12 or more credit hours with at least one credit hour on campus pay a flat rate.
For more information on how to build your future at Emporia State University, please visit www.emporia.edu.
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