After presenting Twelfth Night last summer, Studio East, which was founded in 1992 to provide theatre arts education for youth on the Eastside, will make a return to Juanita Beach Park this June with the Shakespeare play, Much Ado About Nothing.

Fifteen performers who are between the ages of 12 to 19 will present the Shakespeare comedy about love and relationships alongside director Simon Pringle. The play features two couples: Claudio and Hero, and Beatrice and Benedick.

Claudio and Hero are a couple who must overcome obstacles before they can wed, and Beatrice and Benedick are long time verbal sparring partners who have not realized they love each other yet. Annually, East Studio puts a spin on a classic Shakespeare production—this year’s show will be set in Hawai’i’ in the 1950s.

“It has been an absolute joy directing this production,” said Pringle. “I couldn’t be prouder of everything this cast have achieved. Getting to direct and teach at the Studio is one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I treasure every memory of the journey.”

Four free live performances will take place at Juanita Beach Park in Kirkland, catering to those ages nine and above. The shows will run for two hours and will include an intermission.

Opening night will take place on June 3 at 6:30 p.m. Additional performances will take place on June 4 at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and June 5 at 2:00 p.m.

“We are so excited to offer this wonderful show free of charge to our community,” said Jen Tucker, Studio East Managing Director. “Thank you to the City of Kirkland for helping make this happen for a second summer in a row.”

For more information visit https://studio-east.org/shakespeare-in-the-park/