PSF’s ‘Play On!’ Community Tour Kicks Off with Much Ado About Nothing

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s ‘Play On!’ Tour Kicks Off May 30 with Much Ado About Nothing

Free performances bring Shakespeare’s romantic comedy to libraries, parks, and community centers.

Center Valley, PA (May 27, 2025)—Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (PSF) is thrilled to announce the return of its free “Play On!” Community Tour, bringing Shakespeare’s beloved romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing to libraries, parks, and community centers across the region. From May 30 through June 15, this lively, accessible production—generously sponsored by Air Products—will delight audiences of all ages in the Lehigh Valley and beyond.

A whirlwind of wit, romance, and mischief, Much Ado About Nothing pits the quick-witted Beatrice and Benedick in a battle of sly denial, even as their spark ignites. Meanwhile, the young lovers Claudio and Hero navigate deception, betrayal, and the power of forgiveness. Filled with hilarious mix-ups, bumbling detectives, and a celebration of love, Shakespeare’s timeless comedy proves that laughter—and love—can conquer all.

The tour kicks off at the Emmaus Public Library on Friday, May 30, at 3 PM, with free performances at venues across the region. Highlights include:

  • May 31, 11 AM: National Museum of Industrial History
  • June 6, 3PM: Allentown Public Library
  • June 8, 2 PM: ArtsQuest Levitt Pavilion
  • June 14 & 15, 3 PM: Peddler’s Village
  • June 28, 12PM: Encore performance—PSF’s Community Day at DeSales University

(Full schedule can be viewed here.)

Artistic Director Jason King Jones (PSF’s The Tempest, The Last Five Years) helms the production, featuring emerging talent from PSF’s 2025 Young Company, including: Maya    Jean Marino Cappello (Conrade/Margaret), Jamir Fisher (Leonato), Ian Higgins (Claudio), Relena Kiser (Borachio/Friar/Messenger), Shawn Laub (Don John/Seacole/Lord/Messenger), Teddy Novak (Don Pedro/Verges), Ryan Plunkett (Benedick/3rd Watch), India Proffit (Beatrice), Isabella Stevens (Dogberry/Ursula), and Sophia Twohig (Hero/Sexton).

The creative team includes Bridget Brennan (Costume Designer), David M. Greenberg (Sound Designer), Greg Leaming (Text Coach), and Monica H. Lagana (Production Stage Manager).

Air Products, the Production Sponsor, has supported PSF since 1995, funding initiatives from children’s theatre to the Luminosity Gala. In 2023, they co-launched the inaugural “Play On!” Tour with Crayola and Joanne Hartshorne. This year, they expand their commitment as lead sponsor of Much Ado, co-sponsor of The Producers, and Gold Sponsor of the 2025 Luminosity Gala.

The tour is also funded in part by the Northampton County Hotel Tax Grant Program, administered by the County of Northampton Department of Community and Economic Development to enhance tourism and community development.

Much Ado is part of PSF’s 2025 Summer Theatre Series (May 28–August 3), featuring nine productions, including two musicals, three Shakespeare works, and children’s programming at the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts on the campus of DeSales University.

Tickets for PSF’s summer productions are available at pashakespeare.org or by calling 610.282.WILL [9455], ext. 1. (Note: No tickets required for free “Play On!” performances.)

The Festival’s 2025 Season Sponsors are Marilyn McDonald, MD and Joe Folger. The Associate Season Sponsors are Mary Bongiorno, Linda Lapos and Paul Wirth, Kathleen Kund Nolan and Timothy E. Nolan, Yvonne Payne and Edward Spitzer, The Szarko Family, and Harry C. Trexler Trust.

Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival, the Commonwealth’s official Shakespeare Festival, is the Lehigh Valley’s professional equity theatre. Hosted at DeSales University, PSF attracts acclaimed actors from Broadway, TV, and film, and serves as the summer home to 200+ artists nationwide.