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MPA's Free Theater In The Park Returns With MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING This Summer

A re-telling of the classic story, this production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING has been abridged with some added Baywatch vibes.

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MPA's Free Theater In The Park Returns With MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING This Summer

After last summer's highly attended "Love's Labour's Lost", Metropolitan Performing Arts
is pleased to announce their fourth annual free theater in park series, Much Ado About Nothing. Shows are performed in different locations around Vancouver, WA. Admission is free. Bring a blanket, lawn chair and picnic dinner for this one- of-a-kind experience fun for the whole family.

A re-telling of the classic story, this production of Much Ado About Nothing has been abridged with some added Baywatch vibes. "Our goal is to make Shakespeare relatable and fun, while still telling the stories he wrote. To share our love of the Bard to others and to create a safe learning environment for performers who have been too shy to attack Will's works" says Kris Heller, the show's director.

Welcome to Messina Beach, where Lenora, Former CEO of Aragon Tech, has decided to retire with her family unplugged from the fast-paced city life. Lenora is at her house with her daughter Hero and her niece Beatrice when she gets a letter telling her that her protégé Prudence is coming with her right-hand Benedict, her new Intern Claudio, and her half-sister Dawn Joan. They arrive and we soon discover that Benedick and Beatrice and rivals, and Claudio falls madly in love with Hero. At a party that night, Prudence helps woo Hero for Claudio and after some confusion, they are ready for a wedding the following day. Happily, Ever After right.... WRONG. Lies, cheating, manipulation, subterfuge, and jealousy
move the Bard's tale into chaos. Will we have a wedding? Will there be broken hearts Come to the show to find out. And remember, Life's a Beach!

IF YOU GO:
Metropolitan Performing Arts (behind building on the field)
6403 E Mill Plain Blvd Vancouver, WA 98661
Saturday, July 16th at 6:00pm *Come before the show for MPA's Season 13 announcement party!
Sunday, July 17th at 6:00pm
Saturday, July 30th at 6:00pm
Saturday, July 31st at 6:00pm
Mended Oak Winery
"Shakespeare at the Winery" event with live music, food trucks, local artists and more!
10209 NE 299th Street Battle Ground, WA 98604
Saturday, August 6th at 6:00pm
Sunday, August 7th at 6:00pm
La Uva Fortuna Farms
16712 NE 219th St, Battle Ground, WA 98604
Saturday, August 13th at 6:00pm
Sunday, August 14th at 6:00pm
Metropolitan Performing Arts (MPA) is a Vancouver based non-profit academy and community theater that offers professional, technique driven classes in acting, dance, music, and tech. Their mission is to enrich the community by providing performance and educational opportunities in the live arts. The cast of Much Ado About Nothing features local adult performers and teens. For more information, visit www.MetropolitanPerformingArts.org.

Photo Credit: Barbara Richardson



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best New Musical - Top 3
1. The Lost Boys
36.4% of votes
2. Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)
24.3% of votes
3. Schmigadoon!
22.9% of votes

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