From left, Casey Bowser, Luke Pfeifer, Thom Hilliard and Stefano Altomari rehearse Hobnob Theatre Company’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Submitted photo

From left, Justin Macurdy, David Skeele and Steve Kalina rehearse Hobnob Theatre Company’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Submitted photo

BUTLER TWP — Shakespearean dialogue will echo through the fields at Butler Township’s Preston Park and Butler’s Memorial Park several evenings over the next week, when the Hobnob Theatre Company puts on its production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”

While the hefty phrases of the 14th century playwright are spoken loudly and in an over-the-top manner by the actors, you would be hard-pressed to find a better way of reading the lines of the writer, who many credit with influencing the modern English language.

The production, which is made up of about 20 people of varying ages and backgrounds, has been working on the production for several months now. But even the rehearsals demonstrate that the actors not only grasp the tone of the comedy-drama from the year 1600, but also are committed to the absurd confidence of the characters and story that has made Shakespeare’s writing so enduring.

Ken Smith, the director of the production, said many of the characters encountered in the two-hour play are also embodied on modern sitcoms, like the self-confident bachelor in Benedick, to the flirtatious wit of Beatrice and the mischievous flare of Borachio.

The characters — who are all dressed in modern garb that sets the story’s events in a scene resembling a tropical summer resort — drive the tale of misunderstanding that unfolds through conversations between ever-shifting groupings. Simply told, there are a lot of characters, and they meet with one another many times throughout the play.

The set, Smith said, is also meant to draw the mind to a beautiful resort. So while the stakes of the lovelorn tale are high because of the characters’ feelings and motivations, they never get in the way of a punchline delivered with perfect timing, or even just a bout of physical slapstick comedy. The outdoor setting also lends itself to a more easygoing viewing experience.

Additionally, the cast has incorporated musical elements into the play, with the whole thing opening with an ensemble number. A lightly strummed acoustic guitar played live by an on-set actor also gives certain scenes a sense of rhythm that plays well with the poetic dialogue.

Most viewers will be able to follow the unfolding events despite the “Ye Old English” phrasing of the script. Even the punchlines — while sometimes long winded and other times delivered with blink-and-you’ll miss-it subtlety — are easy to decipher thanks to the actors’ timing and projection to the audience.

Overall, the actors and producers of “Much Ado” make Hobnob’s production a fun time in the park, and possibly even an educational experience. Just make sure you bring chairs or a blanket, and your picnic snacks, for the optimal viewing experience.

Hobnob will be performing its production of the play from Friday through Sunday, and July 22 and 24 at Preston Park; and July 23 at the Rotary Shelter at Memorial Park. All shows are scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. Shows will only be canceled for heavy weather events.

Tickets for “Much Ado About Nothing” can be purchased at hobnobtheatre.com.