Shakespeare on the Rocks returns to Rockaway Beach this summer with a new production of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing,” playing four performances only: Thursday, July 16 through Sunday, July 19 at 6 p.m. at the Amphitheater located at Beach 94th Street and Shore Front Parkway beside the Rockaway Beach Boardwalk. Performances are free and open to the public.
Following the enthusiastic response to its inaugural production of “Romeo and Juliet,” Shakespeare on the Rocks continues its mission of bringing bold, accessible outdoor theater to the shoreline of New York City. Set against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean, this production of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy transforms the public amphitheater in the heart of Rockaway Beach into a lively world of romance, mischief, and mistaken identity promising a singular theatrical experience featuring live orchestral music, striking upcycled costumes, inventive designs, captivating performances, and a spirited aesthetic that balances elegance with gutterpunk charm.
This year’s Shakespeare selection, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a romantic comedy set in Messina. It follows two couples: Claudio and Hero, whose love is nearly destroyed by the villain Don John, and Benedick and Beatrice, two witty adversaries who are tricked by their friends into falling in love.
Founded in 2024 by actor Elwin Cuevas and musician Rob Bryn, Shakespeare on the Rocks was conceived as a celebration of community, artistry, and the vibrant spirit of Rockaway Beach.
The company combines professional performers, local artists, and live music in energetic open-air productions shaped by the unpredictability and beauty of the beach itself. By joining forces with grassroots artists and collaborators, Shakespeare on the Rocks creates visionary work that feels immediate, communal, and alive within the landscape of New York City, offering bold new portrayals of Shakespeare that are not only accessible, but deeply relatable.
Directed by Rob Bryn of the internationally acclaimed indie rock band The Wild Yaks, “Much Ado About Nothing” stars Elwin Cuevas and Rockaway’s own Catherine Yeager McQuaid as Shakespeare’s famously warring lovers, Benedick and Beatrice. Cuevas, co-founder of Shakespeare on the Rocks, brings extensive stage experience and television credits, including Luis Zamora on Paramount’s “FBI.” McQuaid, known locally through her work as a founding member of 3LD theatre company, reflects the company’s commitment to elevating local artists alongside seasoned performers within innovative settings.
Live orchestral music will be performed by Yuanlin Chen and the Mandolin Orchestra of New York, further enriching a production that blends classical theater, contemporary artistry, and the distinctive atmosphere of Rockaway Beach.
Audiences are encouraged to bring beach chairs or blankets and enjoy Shakespeare at sunset by the sea.
Shakespeare on the Rocks is a Flushing Town Hall GO Grant recipient and is fiscally sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with NYC Parks.
For updates and more info, visit www.shakespeareontherocks.org and follow @shakespeare_on_the_rocks on Instagram.
