“Much Ado About Nothing,” possibly one of the most famous rom-coms of all time, will be performed by UCSB’s award-winning ensemble Naked Shakes, 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8 in Elings Park’s Godric Grove Amphitheater.

The Shakespearean comedy offers budding romances, meddling villains, potential catastrophes, and witty banter between enemies-to-lovers Benedick and Beatrice.

Performed in Naked Shakes’ signature style of minimal props and simple costumes, the focus is on the abilities of the actors and the words of the Bard.

Director Irwin Appel’s original production is filled with music, dance and revelry, and is scored by a live jazz quintet.

Advance general admission tickets are $17 for adults; $13 for teens and seniors; and free for children under 12.

Buy tickets online at www.elingspark.org. Tickets will be sold at the door, as available, at $20 for adults, $15 for teens and seniors.

“Naked Shakes productions are unplugged, exciting, and accessible to audiences of all ages,” said Dean Noble, executive director of Elings Park. “The young actors are energetic, nimble, and whole-heartedly committed to conveying both the humor and heartache in this beloved farce.”

“There’s nothing quite like experiencing these wonderful plays in the open air and under the oaks in Godric Grove,” adds Noble. “We’d love the park to become a destination for summer Shakespeare.”

Now in its 19th year, Naked Shakes annually produces a Shakespearean play under the direction of Appel.

In addition to on-campus performances, the troupe has performed the Southwest Shakespeare Company at Taliesin West in Scottsdale, Arizona; Shakespeare Center of Los Angeles; Westmont College; and Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara.

In the summer 2023, Naked Shakes performed “The Death of Kings” in Italy’s Verona Shakespeare Fringe Festival.

For more, visit www.theaterdance.ucsb.edu/performance-programs/naked-shakes.