Much Ado About Nothing is really SOMETHING for the Steamboat community and guests. The talented (and funny) New Zealand and American cast will be back at the original stomping grounds for tonight's Pik-Nik Theatre performance -- the spectacular setting of Spring Creek Park.

In 2008, Stuart Handloff saw an opportunity to bring together local performers and guest artists from the finest New Zealand conservatories to create a theatre performance like no other in Steamboat Springs. This vision has lead to the creation of the Piknik Theatre Festival which is embarking on its fourth season.  Families are encouraged - Pik-Nik Theatre Festival performances are meant to be enjoyed by young and young at heart alike.

"We do theatre outdoors, in a picnic setting. The beauty of the Yampa Valley is our stage, bringing us out of the enclosed theatre box. Simple production values are enhanced by the natural environment which creates a setting like no other; one that is as spontaneous and diverse as the cast itself. Actors interact with their surroundings by jumping into ponds, acting through entire rain storms, hiding behind stumps and emerging from trees." --Stuart Handloff, Founder Pik Nik Theatre Festival.

And don't forget to partake in an opportunity to have an actual picnic at the show.  The newly opened 5th Street Market & Deli (on 5th and Lincoln) is the picnic sponsor for this year's festival and Stuart Handloff urges Pik Nik theatre patrons to check out the delectable delights of this new addition to downtown for all of their outdoor theatre nourishing needs.  What could be more lovely than a fabulous picnic on a lovely blanket surrounded by the beauty of Spring Creek while watching this talented crew perform one of Shakespeare's most well loved comedies.

So grab your favorite picnic basket (or buy a swanky new one downtown), pack your supper and head down to Spring Creek Park tonight, Friday, July 15, 2011.  The show starts promptly at 6pm.  For more show times and locations (the troupe will even be performing at the Denver Botanic Gardens), please click here.

Roasted red pepper & grilled zucchini sandwich on ciabatta from 5th Street Market & Deli - downtown Steamboat Springs.

Greek Salad from the 5th Street Market & Deli - Downtown Steamboat Springs

See you tonight!

Oh and if you've never been up to Spring Creek Park - here's a handy little google map for you.  Gorgeous scenery, beautiful hikes and a wooded pavilion.

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