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Get ready to dive headfirst into a high-energy Shakespearean summer where East Coast cool meets West Coast heat. This year’s productions — The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing — are reimagined with bold 1980s flair: one straight outta Coney Island, the other vibing in Venice Beach.
In Shrew, the action simmers under the sweltering sun of a gritty East Coast boardwalk with big personalities, and even bigger attitudes. Then Much Ado breezes in from the West Coast, where Beatrice and Benedick volley zingers on a Yacht Rock cruise and love hangs ten with a wink and a twist. Both shows are brought to life by the same quick-changing trio of powerhouse performers each day. Shrew runs about 50 minutes, while our puppet-powered Much Ado is a 60-minute romp. Expect brilliant physical comedy, inventive staging (and puppetry!), and maybe even a little Billy Idol. With gratitude to Pat Benatar for naming the theme of Shakespeare in the Park 2025 before we even knew it.
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Set inside the overheated homes of two very different Coney Island households, this bold, fast-paced take on The Taming of the Shrew swaps palm trees for fire escapes and beach breezes for box fans. Shakespeare’s sharp-tongued comedy gets a boardwalk twist — loud, lively, and full of attitude.
At home with her beleaguered father, Katherina terrorizes her sister and anyone who dares cross her path. But once married off to the swaggering Petruchio, the tables turn — and she finds herself on the receiving end of his wild attempts to “tame” her. With just three actors playing every role, expect rapid-fire character changes, brilliant physical comedy, and voices that echo all the way to the Cyclone.
Whether you're a longtime Shakespeare fan or brand new to the Bard, this 50-minute rollercoaster delivers grit, guts, laughs and a few unexpected twists along the way.
At home with her beleaguered father, Katherina terrorizes her sister and anyone who dares cross her path. But once married off to the swaggering Petruchio, the tables turn — and she finds herself on the receiving end of his wild attempts to “tame” her. With just three actors playing every role, expect rapid-fire character changes, brilliant physical comedy, and voices that echo all the way to the Cyclone.
Whether you're a longtime Shakespeare fan or brand new to the Bard, this 50-minute rollercoaster delivers grit, guts, laughs and a few unexpected twists along the way.
Climb aboard our puppet-powered production of Much Ado About Nothing, where Shakespeare’s beloved comedy sets sail from Venice Beach on a breezy Yacht Rock cruise. With smooth tunes, sun-soaked mischief, and plenty of pastel, Beatrice and Benedick’s war of words gets a delightfully cheeky twist.
When gossip sets the course and mistaken identity rocks the boat, a pair of sharp-tongued rivals are tricked into falling in love — while another couple is nearly torn apart by a not-so-funny prank. With handcrafted puppets, live actors, and a splash of 1980s flair, the drama is big, the laughs are bigger, and the snark is always on point.
This 60-minute romp is the perfect summer escape — whether you’re a Shakespeare regular or just here for the vibes.
When gossip sets the course and mistaken identity rocks the boat, a pair of sharp-tongued rivals are tricked into falling in love — while another couple is nearly torn apart by a not-so-funny prank. With handcrafted puppets, live actors, and a splash of 1980s flair, the drama is big, the laughs are bigger, and the snark is always on point.
This 60-minute romp is the perfect summer escape — whether you’re a Shakespeare regular or just here for the vibes.
Come for the show, stay for the fun!
At 1:00, dive into hands-on games for all ages—including open play with period games and the debut of our life-sized Bard Game, where you roll the dice and race through Shakespeare’s London.
Then at 3:15, stick around for a rotating lineup of totally rad activities—from swordplay to sea shanties to Shakespeare’s First Folio—each inspired by theatre, Renaissance life, or the Bard himself.
No registration required—just show up and join in! 👉 Check the schedule to read more about it.
At 1:00, dive into hands-on games for all ages—including open play with period games and the debut of our life-sized Bard Game, where you roll the dice and race through Shakespeare’s London.
Then at 3:15, stick around for a rotating lineup of totally rad activities—from swordplay to sea shanties to Shakespeare’s First Folio—each inspired by theatre, Renaissance life, or the Bard himself.
No registration required—just show up and join in! 👉 Check the schedule to read more about it.
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Early Music Now is Milwaukee’s only presenter dedicated to music from the Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque periods. Known for their award-winning concerts and world-class performers, EMN brings both international ensembles and regional talent to the stage.
For this summer’s collaboration with Optimist Theatre, EMN musicians will perform Renaissance selections as a live prelude to The Taming of the Shrew. Ironically, Shrew is one of the few Shakespeare plays with no songs at all — a rarity, since music was a vital tool in Elizabethan theatre, used to set mood, signal class, and stir emotion.
The pre-show features lute, recorders, and viola da gamba — instruments once believed to ease tension and elevate the spirit. It’s an ideal overture for our lively beachside battle of wills.
And while the music is historically authentic, the vibe is pure 1980s. Expect flip-flops, not doublets — and maybe a little neon with your notes.
Performers: Tim Sterner Miller (lute), Brett Lipshutz (recorders), and Charlie Rasmussen (viola da gamba).
More at www.EarlyMusicNow.org
For this summer’s collaboration with Optimist Theatre, EMN musicians will perform Renaissance selections as a live prelude to The Taming of the Shrew. Ironically, Shrew is one of the few Shakespeare plays with no songs at all — a rarity, since music was a vital tool in Elizabethan theatre, used to set mood, signal class, and stir emotion.
The pre-show features lute, recorders, and viola da gamba — instruments once believed to ease tension and elevate the spirit. It’s an ideal overture for our lively beachside battle of wills.
And while the music is historically authentic, the vibe is pure 1980s. Expect flip-flops, not doublets — and maybe a little neon with your notes.
Performers: Tim Sterner Miller (lute), Brett Lipshutz (recorders), and Charlie Rasmussen (viola da gamba).
More at www.EarlyMusicNow.org
Ms. Kelley Faulkner
Introducing Our Director and Dramaturg for the 2025 Season: Ms. Kelley Faulkner*
Optimist Theatre is delighted to announce that Ms. Kelley Faulkner* will direct our 2025 season of Shakespeare in the Park! A beloved figure in Milwaukee’s theatre scene, Kelley is celebrated for her acting and singing talents, frequently showcased at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.
Building upon her impressive acting career, Kelley began her directing journey several years ago and has already built an impressive résumé. Optimist Theatre had the pleasure of working with her when she portrayed Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Her captivating performance combined Shakespearean finesse with sharp comedic timing, leaving audiences thoroughly enchanted. Now, Kelley steps into the director’s chair to lead what promises to be an exciting summer of outdoor theatre.
MORE..... Including an exclusive Q&A where Kelley shares her thoughts on the upcoming season...
Optimist Theatre is delighted to announce that Ms. Kelley Faulkner* will direct our 2025 season of Shakespeare in the Park! A beloved figure in Milwaukee’s theatre scene, Kelley is celebrated for her acting and singing talents, frequently showcased at the Milwaukee Repertory Theatre.
Building upon her impressive acting career, Kelley began her directing journey several years ago and has already built an impressive résumé. Optimist Theatre had the pleasure of working with her when she portrayed Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing. Her captivating performance combined Shakespearean finesse with sharp comedic timing, leaving audiences thoroughly enchanted. Now, Kelley steps into the director’s chair to lead what promises to be an exciting summer of outdoor theatre.
MORE..... Including an exclusive Q&A where Kelley shares her thoughts on the upcoming season...
May 14, 2025 Shakespeare in the Park Newsletter
Greetings Friends and SitP Fans:
We are pleased to share with you our 2025 Show and Cast Announcement. Read on!
Optimist Theatre Announces 2025 Shakespeare in the Park Season
A Two-Play Summer Party with Music, Games & Shakespeare — Free All Season
Milwaukee, WI — Optimist Theatre, producers of Milwaukee’s free Shakespeare in the Park (SitP), proudly announces its 2025 summer season lineup. Building on the success of the company’s recent fully touring seasons, this year’s productions will once again travel throughout the greater Milwaukee area—bringing accessible, professional Shakespeare to neighborhoods citywide.
The 2025 season features The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing, direction and dramaturgy by Ms. Kelley Faulkner*, with both productions presented back-to-back on each performance date. Audiences can also enjoy live Renaissance music from Early Music Now and Shakespeare-themed games, demos, talks, and activities hosted by The PLAY’S the Thing between performances.
Following last season’s breakout success with the puppet version of Macbeth, this year’s Much Ado About Nothing will also be reimagined through the magic of puppetry—offering a delightfully unexpected twist on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.
Each performance is abridged to run just under or just over an hour, with both shows featuring a dynamic cast of three. Returning to the stage is SitP favorite Ms. Libby Amato**—Optimist’s brilliant 2024 one-woman Hamlet—joined this season by Milwaukee favorites Kailey Azure Green and Mr. George Lorimer**.
“Keeping Shakespeare front and center, we love pushing creative boundaries,” said Optimist Theatre Executive Director Susan Fry. “This summer, we’re inviting audiences on two bold theatrical adventures—each unique, fun, and built with care. With Kelley at the helm and this incredible trio of actors, it’s going to be a season full of imagination and heart.”
The 1980s beach party theme—Ms. Kelley Faulkner’s inspired vision for the season—infuses both productions with sun-soaked fun, retro flair, and a bold visual identity.
Faulkner shares that spirit of invention: “The challenge is the excitement! As a director and choreographer, I always relish the opportunity to create something from scratch and make it my own. We get to create two entirely unique experiences for our audiences that they will have never seen before.”
Free matinee performances will take place weekends from July 12 through August 17 at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum, and Washington, Humboldt, Sherman, Mitchell, Grant, Lake, Kern, Lincoln, and Wisconsin Avenue Parks.
For details, visit www.optimisttheatre.org, follow Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook at facebook.com/ShaxParkMKE, or sign up for the e-newsletter on the website. For inquiries, email Susan Fry at [email protected].
* Ms. Kelley Faulkner is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
** Indicates a member of Actors' Equity Association or appearing under an AEA contract.
About Optimist Theatre
Shakespeare in the Park is a production of Optimist Theatre, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose roots date to 1993. Since 2010, SitP has presented free, professional live theatre to more than 30,000 audience members and employed over 300 local actors, crew, suppliers, and vendors. Optimist Theatre is a proud Small Professional Theatre with Actors’ Equity Association and the only Equity company touring Shakespeare in the Midwest.
All performances are free to attend and all artists are paid—thanks to generous support from individuals and grants from Bader Philanthropies, The Bradley Foundation, Milwaukee Arts Board, Maihaugen Foundation, Steigleder Foundation, and others.
We are pleased to share with you our 2025 Show and Cast Announcement. Read on!
Optimist Theatre Announces 2025 Shakespeare in the Park Season
A Two-Play Summer Party with Music, Games & Shakespeare — Free All Season
Milwaukee, WI — Optimist Theatre, producers of Milwaukee’s free Shakespeare in the Park (SitP), proudly announces its 2025 summer season lineup. Building on the success of the company’s recent fully touring seasons, this year’s productions will once again travel throughout the greater Milwaukee area—bringing accessible, professional Shakespeare to neighborhoods citywide.
The 2025 season features The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado About Nothing, direction and dramaturgy by Ms. Kelley Faulkner*, with both productions presented back-to-back on each performance date. Audiences can also enjoy live Renaissance music from Early Music Now and Shakespeare-themed games, demos, talks, and activities hosted by The PLAY’S the Thing between performances.
Following last season’s breakout success with the puppet version of Macbeth, this year’s Much Ado About Nothing will also be reimagined through the magic of puppetry—offering a delightfully unexpected twist on Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.
Each performance is abridged to run just under or just over an hour, with both shows featuring a dynamic cast of three. Returning to the stage is SitP favorite Ms. Libby Amato**—Optimist’s brilliant 2024 one-woman Hamlet—joined this season by Milwaukee favorites Kailey Azure Green and Mr. George Lorimer**.
“Keeping Shakespeare front and center, we love pushing creative boundaries,” said Optimist Theatre Executive Director Susan Fry. “This summer, we’re inviting audiences on two bold theatrical adventures—each unique, fun, and built with care. With Kelley at the helm and this incredible trio of actors, it’s going to be a season full of imagination and heart.”
The 1980s beach party theme—Ms. Kelley Faulkner’s inspired vision for the season—infuses both productions with sun-soaked fun, retro flair, and a bold visual identity.
Faulkner shares that spirit of invention: “The challenge is the excitement! As a director and choreographer, I always relish the opportunity to create something from scratch and make it my own. We get to create two entirely unique experiences for our audiences that they will have never seen before.”
Free matinee performances will take place weekends from July 12 through August 17 at Wisconsin Lutheran College, Forest Home Cemetery and Arboretum, and Washington, Humboldt, Sherman, Mitchell, Grant, Lake, Kern, Lincoln, and Wisconsin Avenue Parks.
For details, visit www.optimisttheatre.org, follow Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook at facebook.com/ShaxParkMKE, or sign up for the e-newsletter on the website. For inquiries, email Susan Fry at [email protected].
* Ms. Kelley Faulkner is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
** Indicates a member of Actors' Equity Association or appearing under an AEA contract.
About Optimist Theatre
Shakespeare in the Park is a production of Optimist Theatre, a 501(c)3 nonprofit whose roots date to 1993. Since 2010, SitP has presented free, professional live theatre to more than 30,000 audience members and employed over 300 local actors, crew, suppliers, and vendors. Optimist Theatre is a proud Small Professional Theatre with Actors’ Equity Association and the only Equity company touring Shakespeare in the Midwest.
All performances are free to attend and all artists are paid—thanks to generous support from individuals and grants from Bader Philanthropies, The Bradley Foundation, Milwaukee Arts Board, Maihaugen Foundation, Steigleder Foundation, and others.
