Goodly Creatures returns this summer with Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’
This summer, Goodly Creatures, a regional touring theater company, returns to local parks with their performance of Shakespeare’s hilarious romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.”
“We consider ourselves a gateway to Shakespeare,” said founder and director Katrina Syrris. “Shakespeare wrote for everyone, and we keep that inclusive spirit alive in our approach to the performance.”
Audiences are encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy an evening with the Bard under the stars. “Much Ado About Nothing” explores the effect gossip, rumors and illusion have on two relationships. Claudio and Hero are engaged and in love but Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero has been unfaithful to him. At their wedding ceremony, Claudio shames and rejects Hero. Will she be able to clear her name? Meanwhile witty Beatrice and confirmed bachelor Benedick are engaged in a “merry war” of clever insults and arguments. Can the other characters make them see they are really in love by deceiving them?
The play is suitable for all ages and even audience members brand-new to Shakespeare will enjoy the comedy, Syrris said. “Our mission is to make The Bard accessible to all, and so we ensure that we use our body language and comic opportunities to propel the story forward. Delivery is everything!”
This year, Goodly Creatures will perform at various parks in Geneva, Schaumburg, Elgin, and Algonquin. These performances are brought to the public at no charge with the generous support of the following organizations: Algonquin Recreation, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, Geneva Foundation for the Arts, Geneva Park District, Schaumburg Park District, and the Schaumburg Township District Library.
Economic accessibility is a pillar of Goodly’s mission, with Syrris saying “I grew up on local performances, and Shakespeare. In fact, when I was nine I saw ‘The Tempest’ for the first time at Wing Park. That magical experience set a lifelong mission in motion for me. Goodly brings the arts to kids and families throughout our community, regardless of income.”
The performances begin in Geneva at Island Park at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Seating begins at 4 p.m. Guests should bring chairs and blankets for seating. Pack a picnic or purchase sandwiches, drinks and ice cream from Stockholm’s and Graham’s. Brian Knetl, Waubonsee Community College president, will be the pre-show emcee. The rain date is 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3. Parking is available at the Kane County Government Center, 719 Batavia Ave. Follow the trail north and cross the bridge across the Fox River to Island Park. Parking is also available in downtown Geneva public parking lots.
The troupe then heads to Schaumburg’s Meineke Park, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 6, with a rain date at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 7.
There will be two shows in Elgin. The first at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 17, at the Lords Park east picnic shelter, 100 Oakwood Blvd., and 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 23, at the Wing Park band shell, 1010 Wing St. The rain date for both shows will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 24, in the Wing Park band shell.
The Algonquin show will be at the Towne Park band shell, 100 Jefferson St., at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, with a rain date at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27.
Founded in 2018, Goodly Creatures is a traveling theater company based in Kane County that specializes in breathing new life into classic works of literature. Goodly’s mission is to produce theatrical experiences that are economically accessible, personal, exhilarating, and contemporary for their audiences. In addition to performances, Goodly offers educational workshops and webinars to support creatives of all artistic backgrounds throughout the year. Goodly Creatures Theatre has been recognized as The Best Live Theatre in Kane County in 2025 for and for three years prior. Visit www.goodlycreatures.com to learn more.