The Old Globe Presents William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing”
William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” is a beloved comedy directed by the Globe’s Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “Much Ado About Nothing” will conclude The Old Globe’s 2026 Summer Shakespeare Festival. Performances run from Sunday, August 2 through Sunday, August 30, 2026 in the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre in San Diego’s Balboa Park (1363 Old Globe Way).
Love, laughter, and mischief take center stage in one of the greatest romantic comedies ever written. Everyone can see that headstrong Beatrice and confirmed bachelor Benedick are perfect for each other—except Beatrice and Benedick! Their friends set out to bring them together, and soon elaborate schemes, false accusations, mistaken identities, and even a bumbling police force tangle in one of The Bard’s most beguiling theatrical delights. Celebrated Shakespeare director Barry Edelstein returns to the outdoor stage with this fast-paced, witty production full of colorful characters, brilliant wordplay, lots of music, and genuine heart.
“‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is one of the great celebrations of love, wit, and romance, and bringing it to life requires performers of extraordinary caliber,” said Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. “I am absolutely thrilled to welcome Broadway powerhouses Eden Espinosa and Tally Sessions back home to the Globe. I directed them here in “Rain” and produced them in “The Gardens of Anuncia,” and so I know the beautiful sparks that fly when their brilliant, deeply moving artistry comes together. They are joined this summer by a particularly strong and hugely talented company of actors, and I’m looking forward to a wonderful production of American Shakespeare at its highest level. I can’t wait to share this Shakespeare favorite with San Diego!”
In the iconic roles of Beatrice and Benedick are Eden Espinosa (The Old Globe’s “Gardens of Anuncia”; Broadway’s “Lempicka” – Tony and Drama League Award nomination, Best Performance) and Tally Sessions (The Old Globe’s “Henry 6,” Broadway’s “A Wonderful World: The Louis Armstrong Musical”).
In addition to director Barry Edelstein, as part of the creative team are Lawrence E. Moten III (scenic design); Tilly Grimes (costume design); Russell H. Champa (lighting design); Melanie Chen Cole (sound design); Curtis Moore (original music); Patrick McCollum (choreography); Jesse Perez (voice and text coach); ARC; Duncan Stewart, CSA and Patrick Maravilla, CSA (casting); and Jess Slocum (production stage manager).
Tickets are available online at TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623), and in person at the Globe’s Box Office in Balboa Park. Regular ticket prices start at $38.
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