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.
The 2025 Summer Theatre Series—
“Play On!” Community Tour – William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing
May 30 to June 15 | Directed by Jason King Jones
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival’s “Play On!” Community Tour brings free performances of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to libraries, parks, and community centers all over the region.
On the Main Stage:
The Producers – June 11 to June 29
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks. Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan.
Directed by Jennifer Childs
Choreographed by Tara Jeanne Vallee
Adapted from Brooks’ 1967 film, this laugh-a-minute romp features larger-than-life characters, wickedly funny double entendres, and splashy show-stopping musical numbers. With a truly hysterical book co-written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, The Producers proudly proclaims itself an “equal opportunity offender,” skewering Broadway traditions with enough chutzpah to fill Times Square!
Hamlet – July 9 to August 3
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Lindsay Smiling
Shakespeare’s masterpiece delves into the depths of human thought, revealing the darkness that lies beneath loyalty, love, and justice. Experience the pulse-pounding tension and psychological intrigue that have made this play endure for centuries. Hamlet will play in repertory with Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead – July 17 to August 2
By Tom Stoppard
Directed by Jason King Jones
Lost in a Shakespearean drama they barely understand, two glorified extras from Hamlet stumble into the spotlight. Watch as our hapless heroes flip coins (which mysteriously keep landing heads), ponder the meaning of life (spoiler: they don’t figure it out), and wonder if they’re actually the main characters in someone else’s tragedy. Occasionally, the “real” play crashes their existential party, sending them into a panic of “Wait, which one am I again?” Hamlet and Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead will play in rotating repertory.
In the Schubert Theatre:
Penelope – May 28 to June 8
Music and Lyrics by Alex Bechtel.
Book by Alex Bechtel, Grace McLean, and Eva Steinmetz.
Based on writings in The Odyssey by Homer
Directed by Eva Steinmetz
A Co-production with Theatre Horizon
This witty musical flips the script on the dutiful wife history wants you to believe in—Penelope’s done being a footnote in her husband’s epic; this time, she’s writing her own odyssey. With soulful songs, razor-sharp storytelling, and an onstage band doubling as her modern-day Greek chorus, Penelope transforms the tale you thought you knew into a solo cabaret act like no other.
A Raisin in the Sun – June 25 to July 13
By Lorraine Hansberry
Directed by Akeem Davis
The members of the Younger family dream bigger than the cramped apartment where they live on the south side of Chicago. When a life-changing insurance check arrives, three generations are suddenly given the chance to turn their hopes into reality. As they navigate the complex landscape of 1950s America, the Younger family discovers that unity, resilience, and love can overcome even the toughest challenges in their pursuit of a better life.
Timon of Athens – “Extreme Shakespeare”
July 23 to August 3
By William Shakespeare
Timon of Athens, once the life of every party and generous benefactor, finds himself abandoned when his fortune runs dry. Betrayed by those he trusted most, his legendary generosity turns to seething rage, transforming him from Athens’ favorite host to its most dangerous outcast. Performed “Extreme Shakespeare” style—actors arrive with lines learned, rehearse on their own, and open within days. No directors. No designers. Just pure adrenaline and raw talent unleashed on Shakespeare’s blistering commentary on wealth and loyalty.
Children’s Theatre Productions:
The Princess and The Frog Prince | July 4 to August 2 | Schubert Theatre
By Jason King Jones | Based on the Grimms’ Fairy Tale | Directed by Jessica Bedford
This fresh spin on the classic tale follows a basketball-loving princess who’d rather shoot hoops than wait for Prince Charming. But when her ball rolls into a well, she meets an unlikely hero—a talking frog under a magical spell. As friendship sparks, the duo proves that sometimes your perfect match is the teammate you least expect.
Shakespeare for Kids (S4K) presents Hamlet | July 23 to August 2 | Main Stage
By Erin Sheffield | Directed by Matt Pfeiffer
A high energy one-hour production, S4K activates imaginations and generates laughs for the entire family. Using a combination of songs, puppets, and scenes from William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, S4K provides families with the opportunity to introduce children to Shakespeare in a welcoming, super kid-friendly environment.
The Festival will host its annual Community Day event on Saturday, June 28, 2025. The event will take place on the mall and in front of the Labuda Center for the Performing Arts at DeSales University.
Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival Artistic Leadership:
JASON KING JONES (Artistic Director/Director Much Ado) Prior to moving to the Lehigh Valley with his family, Jason spent ten years at Maryland’s Olney Theatre Center, where he served as Senior Associate Artistic Director and Artistic Director of National Players, America’s longest-running touring theatre company. In the past twenty-five years Jason directed over seventy-five productions, mentored hundreds of early-career theatre makers, and established various in school and summer educational programs. He is an Acting Company alumnus, a proud member of the PSF Board, and a member of the Shakespeare Theatre Association’s IDEAA Committee, and Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Nonprofit & Business Partners Council. Jason holds a BFA in Theatre Performance from Missouri State and an MFA in Directing from Boston University.
CASEY WILLIAM GALLAGHER (Managing Director) has worked at PSF for 26 seasons. Over the years he was a box office intern, a stage management intern, the assistant house manager, box office manager, company manager, assistant producer, director of development and worked directly with PSF Founder Jerry Schubert in the early years of the organization. Since 2004, in his role as general manager and later managing director, he served as the administrative leader of the festival, working very closely with former Producing Artistic Director Patrick Mulcahy and the box office, business, development, marketing and production departments. Casey now serves as co-leader of the Festival with Artistic Director Jason King Jones. Beyond PSF, Casey was treasurer for the Shakespeare Theatre Association, director of audience services for The People’s Light & Theatre Company, a board member for Civic Theatre of Allentown, a peer panelist for the New Jersey Council on the Arts and a judge for the Greater Philadelphia Barrymore Awards for excellence in theatre. Casey thanks the PSF year-round staff, the summer staff, the WillPower Tour staff, the Festival board of directors, the volunteer Guild and all the other stakeholders who contribute and play a part in bringing theatre to life onstage and in our community.
Artists:
Maya Jean Marino Cappello (Conrade/Margret) PSF credits: The Color Purple (Olivia/Ensemble), The Comedy of Errors (Abbess, Courtesan, etc.), Merry Wives (u/s Anne Page), Winnie-the-Pooh (Musician), and S4K: The Tempest. DeSales Act 1 credits: Singin’ in the Rain (Kathy Selden), Intimate Apparel (Esther), Little Shop of Horrors (Crystal/Dance Captain), Mr. Dickens’ Hat (Assistant Director), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Congregation), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Ensemble/Featured Dancer/ Ensemble Swing), The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble), and Side by Side by Sondheim (u/s).
Jamir Fisher (Leonato) Previous DeSales University Act 1 Credits include: Underling in The Drowsy Chaperone, Sid Phillips, R.F. Simpson u/s in Singin’ in the Rain and Congregant in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Ian Higgins (Claudio) DeSales University theatre major and member of the PSF Young Company.
Relena Kiser (Borachio/Friar/Messenger) PSF: The Comedy of Errors (Dromio of Ephesus), Cymbeline (1st Lord/Ensemble), Merry Wives of Windsor (Nym & u/s Pistol), Winnie the Pooh & Friends (Swing/AD). Educational: Robin Hood (Will Scarlet/Fight Choreographer), Mr. DIcken’s Hat (Ensemble/Swing), Servant of Two Masters (u/s Truffladino, Fight Captain), Twelfth Night (u/s Feste). PA Playhouse: Sweeney Todd (Ensemble).
Monica H. Laguna (Stage Manager) DeSales University: Robin Hood (Line Producer), Singin’ in the Rain (Assistant Stage Manager), The Drowsy Chaperone (A1 Mixing Engineer), 2024’s ECC (Stage Manager), 2024 & 2025’s DUFF (Stage Manager), 2024’s DUDE (Assistant Stage Manager), Twelfth Night (Stage Manager), Cinderella (Assistant Stage Manager), Intimate Apparel (A1 Mixing Engineer), The Importance of Being Earnest(Assistant Stage Manager), The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Production Audio Engineer). PSF: The Play That Goes Wrong (A1 Mixing Engineer), and The Color Purple (A2 Sound Technician).
Shawn Laub (Don John/Seacole/Lord/Messenger) DeSales University theatre major and member of the PSF Young Company.
Teddy Novak (Don Pedro/Verges) Regional: Scranton Shakespeare Festival, Titus Andronicus (substitute Mutius/Publius), Spring Awakening (Moritz Stiefel). DeSales University Act 1: The Drowsy Chaperone (Ensemble, u/s George), Little Shop of Horrors (Wino/Audrey II Puppeteer), Mr. Dickens’ Hat (Ensemble/Foley Sound), Singin’ in the Rain (Rod & u/s Cosmo), DeSales Act 1 Shubert Workshop: The Big Meal (Boy).TV/Film: Bedridden: A Horror Short (Thomas/Creature).
Ryan Plunkett (Benedick/3rd Watch) DSU THEATRE: Little Shop of Horrors (Mr. Mushnick), Mr. Dicken’s Hat (Actor #6), The Drowsy Chaperone (Gangster #2), Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella (Prince Topher), Twelfth Night (Sebastian), The Importance of Being Earnest (Lane), Hunchback of Notre Dame (Congregation), Intimate Apparel (US Mr. Marks). TV/Film: Precious, For You.
India Proffit (Beatrice) DeSales: The Children’s Hour (Evelyn, u/s Karen); The Servant of Two Masters (Truffaldino); Twelfth Night (u/s Ensemble). TV/Film: Bite Me; Before you go; Glooblu; Audition.
Isabella Stevens (Dogberry/Ursula) University: Mr. Dicken’s Hat (Ensemble 1/Swing), The Children’s Hour (Swing, went on for Evelyn and Lois)
Sophia Twohig (Hero/Sexton) Professional: Jimmy Buffet Tribute Concert at Mt. Gretna (featured singer). Act 1: Singin’ in the Rain (Ensemble), Twelfth Night (u/s Olivia ), Hunchback of Notre Dame (female swing for gargoyles/congregants). Community: Newsies (Katherine) at Upper Darby Summer Stage.
Creatives:
Bridget Brennan (Costume Designer) is a Costumer and Licensed Cosmetologist based in Philadelphia. Currently Wardrobe Head at the Miller Theater and a member of IATSE Local 799, Bridget has spent decades working wardrobe in various capacities, where she discovered her love of wigs and hair. Last seen at PSF as the Costumer Designer for The Comedy of Errors “Play On!” Community Tour, Bridget holds a B.A. in Technical Theatre from DeSales, a Certificate in Wig Construction from DePaul University, and a Cosmetology Certificate from Paul Mitchell the School.
David M. Greenberg (Sound Designer) Lecturer of Sound Engineering at UNC Greensboro. is excited to return for his fifth season with PSF as a sound designer and composer. PSF: The Last Five Years, The Tempest, Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) [revised] [again], James and the Giant Peach. Regional: Creede Repertoire Theatre, The Importance of Being Earnest. Member of TSDCA (Theatre Sound Designers and Composers Association) and AES (Audio Engineers Society). Website: davidmgreenbergsound.com
Greg Leaming (Text Coach) Greg Leaming has worked as dramaturg, director and producer for regional theatres around the country, including Hartford Stage Company, Long Wharf Theatre, Asolo Repertory Theatre, Portland Stage Company, American Stage Festival, George Street Theatre, Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, Southwest Shakespeare, Dorset Theatre Festival, Hangar Theatre, Contemporary American Theatre Festival, Florida Stage Company, Merrimack Repertory Theatre and Philadelphia Drama Guild. His translations/adaptations include: Feydeau’s A Flea in Her Ear and Le Dindon; Hennequin and Veber’s Anything to Declare?; and LaBiche’s The Italian Straw Hat. He was the director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training from 2005 to 2022. He has been a panelist/observer for the National Endowment for the Arts, Massachusetts Arts Commission, and Connecticut Arts Commission.
Information provided to TVL by:
Tina Slak
