54th season of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks returns to Sandpoint
August 17, 2026
Performances include Ado About Nothing and The Merchant of Venice
By Ben Olson Reader Staff
The annual return of the beloved Montana Shakespeare in the Parks troupe continues to stand as one of the best cultural offerings in Sandpoint. The free outdoor performances of William Shakespeare’s plays always draw a large crowd and leave those in the audience feeling like they just experienced one of the reasons why it’s great to live in the West.
This year, MSIP will perform two of the Bard’s plays in Sandpoint: The Merchant of Venice from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20 and Much Ado About Nothing from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22. Both performances will take place at Lakeview Park (801 Ontario St.).
The Merchant of Venice explores justice, mercy, prejudice and the longing to belong in a divided world. As Bassanio seeks Portia’s hand and Antonio enters a dangerous bond with Shylock, the young Jessica risks everything to leave her father’s house in search of love and freedom. Through romance and courtroom drama, Shakespeare examines the cost of exclusion and the transformative power of mercy.
Courtesy photo
“The Merchant of Venice is one of the most complete plays in Shakespeare’s canon,” says Director Kevin Asselin. “It offers so much for audiences: the young people in the play have a fascinating journey, but it’s the deeper questions that Shylock, Antonio and Portia navigate on a truly human level that I find most compelling as a director.”
Much Ado About Nothing speaks to the joy and uncertainty of love, reputation and the ways that community shapes our understanding of one another. This lively comedy unfolds in the aftermath of war, where returning soldiers and welcoming hosts find themselves drawn into courtship, clever schemes and shifting perceptions. Among a vibrant cast of characters, Shakespeare explores how easily we can be misled, and how resilience, honesty and grace can restore both trust and connection.
“In a moment when many communities feel polarized or fatigued, Much Ado About Nothing insists on laughter, music and communal celebration,” says Director Johamy Morales. “The play ends not in division, but in dance. That theatrical act, gathering together, witnessing conflict and choosing reconciliation models a kind of collective resilience.”
MSIP performs in 64 communities across five states, bringing the works of Shakespeare for free to 20,000 audience members every year. Attendees are encouraged to come early, bring a picnic and a comfortable chair, and enjoy an evening together among friends and neighbors. Tall chairs are requested to be placed further back to allow those on blankets and short chairs to see the stage.
In case of rain or smoky skies, performances will be moved to the Sandpoint High School auditorium, 410 S. Division Ave.
Attendees can download a free app to listen to the audio from the show on their own personal device. Download the AudioFetch app and, once at the performance, connect to the Wi-Fi network: Shakespeare! (no password required). Be sure to bring your own headphones.
Special thanks to local hosts Dan and Lori Meulenberg, Family Health Center, Pend Oreille Arts Council and Jim and Geraldine Lewis.
For more information, please visit shakespeareintheparks.org.
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