Much Ado About Nothing at Skyline Theatre Company

The next fully staged production in Skyline Theatre Company’s 2026 season is the inaugural effort of a new annual tradition – Shakespeare on the Porch – with a one-weekend July 17-18 run of William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” on the front porch of the historic Oakeside Bloomfield Cultural Center. The 19th Century historic estate, once home to the Oakes family who were owners of the local textile factory and prominent citizens of Bloomfield, was gifted to the Township of Bloomfield nearly 50 years ago and is now lovingly cared for by Bloomfield Township’s Cultural Preservation Department. For the last 30 years, in conjunction with the Township’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, the mansion and grounds have been providing community-based programs in the areas of historical interpretation, arts programs and education, horticulture and gardening, and recreation and cultural events.

Directed by Skyline’s Associate Artistic Director David C. Neal, “Much Ado About Nothing” is often considered Shakespeare’s ultimate rom-com and features a hilarious ‘merry war’ of wits mixed with gossip, romance, deception and a touch of summer magic. Held rain or shine outside under a setting sun, performances are Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18 at 6pm. Tickets priced at $20-25 are available for purchase now and patrons are encouraged to bring their own chairs and picnic dinners: https://skylinetheatrecompany.org/event/shakespeare-on-the-porch-much-ado-about-nothing/