Free Shakespeare will return to the lawn on the Gonzaga Prep campus, with "Much Ado About Nothing," Aug. 5-21. This follows a successful "Taming of the Shrew" in 2009.

Director and creative force Kevin Connell (also known as the G-Prep principal) said this year's production will be a little different: Three more performances have been added and most shows will be in early evening (6 p.m.) instead of in the afternoon. Seating is on the grass, so blankets and lawn chairs are a good idea.

Here's the complete info, from Connell's press release:

The Spokane Shakespeare Company will present Much Ado About Nothing, one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies, on the first three weekends of August outdoors on the campus of Gonzaga Preparatory School.  Much Ado tells the story of the “merry war” between Shakespeare’s wittiest lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, as they employ every verbal weapon at their command to resist the irresistible attraction that everyone but themselves can see pulling them together.  The production will be staged in the days after WWII as men return home from battle and women refuse to surrender the independence their war-time responsibilities have won them.  The cast features actors from EWU, GU, and SFCC along with several popular local theater veterans and is directed by Kevin Connell, S.J. of GU’s Theatre Arts Program and the principal of Gonzaga Prep.  Performances will take place Friday through Sunday, August 5-7, 12-14, and 19-21.  Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 6 p.m. and Sunday shows at 3 p.m.  The performance runs 90 minutes and is suitable for all ages.  Seating is on the grass and patrons are encouraged to bring their own food and refreshments.  Admission is by donation and reservations will not be taken. For more information call 509-994-2788 or consult Spokane Shakespeare Company on Facebook.

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