What clamor is this that disturbs our rest,
In late June midst Rochesterfest?
The folly of a jealous love righted;
The rightness of foolish love requited.
Come, silly lovers! Join us in the park.
The Bard is back in forest just before dark.

Bringing a tradition enjoyed world-wide to Rochester, Words Players Theatre will present its second annual Shakespeare in the Park event in June as a part of Rochesterfest. Much Ado About Nothing, a romantic comedy about two pairs of lovers - - Benedick and Beatrice, Claudio and Hero -- opens June 16 in Central Park.

New this year: A summer picnic theatre at four of the performances (details below), a group of musicians adding a unique flavor to the story telling, and a performance at Florence Park in Stewartville.

KTTC's story about the play

Performances

Thursday, June 16 7:00 PM Central ParkPicnic Theatre: Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe. BBQ pork sandwich meal. $5
5:30-6:45pm
Friday, June 17 7:00 PM Soldiers Field
Saturday, June 18 7:00 PM Soldiers Field
Sunday, June 19 2:00 PM Central Park
Monday, June 20 7:00 PM Soldiers FieldPicnic Theatre: Ci Ci's pizza. $1 per slice.
5:30-9:30pm
Tuesday, June 21 7:00 PM Florence Park, StewartvilleCancelled
Wednesday, June 22 7:00 PM Soldiers FieldPicnic Theatre: Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe. Bratwurst meal. $5
5:30-6:45pm
Thursday, June 23 7:00 PM Central Park
Saturday, June 25 7:00 PM Central Park
Sunday, June 26 2:00 PM Central ParkPicnic Theatre: Chester's. Rotisserie turkey sandwich meal. $7
12 - 1:45pm

Venues

Central Park225 1st Ave. NW, just east of Charter House [map]
Soldiers Field ParkSoldier's Field Drive, SW South of the YMCA, at the Roy Sutherland Park area [map]

Picnic Theatre

Food. Community. And a great show. All outdoors.

  • On Thursday, June 16th, which is opening night, join us for BBQ pork sandwiches, coleslaw, beverage and dessert (Cost is $5/person; food is from Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe) - 5:30 - 6:45 pm
  • On Monday, June 20th we'll offer pepperoni, sausage or extra cheese pizza (Cost is $1/slice and the pizza is from CiCi's Pizza; we will also have beverages for sale) - 5:30 - 6:45 pm
  • On Wednesday, June 22nd come back for more Ye Olde Butcher Shoppe (Cost is $5/person; menu is Bratwurst, baked beans, chips and a beverage) - 5:30 - 6:45 pm
  • On Sunday, June 26th come dine with us for a leisurely lunch provided by Chester's (Cost is $7/person; menu is Cold rotisserie turkey sandwich with basil mayo, lettuce and tomato on a freshly baked roll, pasta salad, chips, beverage and dessert ) - 11:30 am - 1:45 pm