Stone Soup Shakespeare presents 'Much Ado About Nothing'

Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" will be touring throughout the Midwest this spring, bringing Shakespeare in the Park to communities for free this May and early June.

<span>In partnership with the Chester Public Library, the production will return to Cole Memorial Park in Chester on Sunday for a 6 p.m. show. The event drew a reported 100 people in 2014 and performances are free to the public, weather-permitting.</span>

<span>Tour director, Jeri Frederickson is setting this year's performance in a punk world filled with rock 'n' roll, miscommunication and rash emotions.</span>

<span>Jeri Frederickson joins Stone Soup Shakespeare from Chicago and brings with her expertise in Shakespeare, poetry and new play development. She is excited to bring Much Ado About Nothing claiming "It delights and tickles my funny bone while also showing me just how outrageous perfectly rational people can be."</span>

<span>The play itself has been recently popularized by director Joss Whedon in a black and white contemporary film. There also exists a slightly older, but much revered, 1993 version featuring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson.</span>

<span>In keeping with the spirit of the children's story, Stone Soup, from which the company takes its name, audience members are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items, which will be collected and donated, to local food banks in the tour region.</span>

<span>In addition to bringing food to donate, Stone Soup Shakespeare also encourage audiences to bring their own picnics to share with their friends and family while sharing in the evening of entertainment and community.</span>