Jeff Carey as Valentine, left, and Sam Thinnes as Proteus perform Tuesday, July 28, in Hobnob Theatre Company's “Two Gentlemen of Verona (PA).” Michael Dittman/Special to the Eagle

Summer Shakespeare has always been about more than the play itself. Audiences bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, children run through the grass and, as daylight fades, a public park becomes a stage. Hobnob Theatre Company’s annual Shakespeare in the Park embraces that tradition with its adaptation of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” at Preston Park.

Director Andrew Miller relocates Shakespeare's earliest comedy to an hour south of Butler to Verona, Pa., imagining the play's young lovers as members of a local band called Julia and the Jets. It’s an inventive premise and the production sprinkles in references to Western Pennsylvania as amusing asides rather than creating a complete reimagining of Shakespeare's world.

Miller also wrote the show's original songs, beginning with the catchy “Crab the Dog” (a reference to the live dog in the original play that often steals scenes in productions; in this show it’s replaced with a stuffed plush toy).

As Shakespeare’s first play, “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” introduces many themes that would define his career: mistaken identities, star-crossed lovers, faithful servants and foolish masters. Miller trims some of the play’s more problematic material, eliminating the antisemitism and attempted sexual assault found in the original text, making the production more accessible for family audiences.

Because “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” has one of Shakespeare’s smallest casts, each performer carries a substantial workload, often playing multiple roles.

Molly Miller gives Julia warmth and emotional sincerity as the band’s lead singer and Proteus’ betrothed. Jeff Carey makes Valentine, in this production the guitarist, an earnest romantic, while Sam Thinnes portrays Proteus, a drummer and Valentine’s best friend, as a charming young man whose growing selfishness becomes increasingly apparent as the story unfolds.

Alison Carey is a standout as Speed, delivering Valentine’s servant’s quick wit with crisp comic timing and a sharp tongue. Laura Crago embraces her role as Launce, Proteus’ servant, as Shakespeare’s lovable fool, earning some of the evening's biggest laughs with her heartfelt monologue about Crab the dog and a spirited exchange of puns with Speed after intermission.

Casey Hoolahan captures Silvia’s confidence without sacrificing her sweetness, while Cory J. Pfahl has fun portraying Thurio as an overconfident poser with the swagger of a professional wrestler. He also delivers one of the evening's musical highlights with the arena-rock ballad “To Silvia.”

Thom Hillard and Jeff Myers bring broad comic energy to their roles as Don Antonio and Panthino, leaning into familiar Yinzer stereotypes through costumes featuring football jerseys, cold beer and backyard grilling. Katy Wayne provides a steady presence while moving seamlessly between her roles as Lucetta and one of the Burnouts. Craig Adams and Giancarlo Zingarelli round out the Burnouts with energetic comic appearances that add to the production's playful tone.

The evening’s greatest production value, however, belongs to Preston Park itself. Without scenery or theatrical lighting, the changing sky becomes the backdrop as the performance moves from golden hour into dusk. Few sets could compete with that natural beauty.

Outdoor theater comes with its own challenges. Wind occasionally carries voices away, particularly when actors turn their backs on the audience, making some dialogue difficult to follow. Yet that feels almost beside the point. Shakespeare in the Park isn’t meant to replicate the controlled environment of an indoor theater. It’s a communal summer event where families gather under the trees, children laugh nearby and Shakespeare shares the evening with nature.

Hobnob Theatre’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona (PA)” succeeds where Shakespeare in the Park matters most. It provides an entertaining evening outdoors that invites audiences to relax, laugh and enjoy one of Butler's favorite summer traditions.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona (PA)” runs July 31 through Aug 2. and Aug. 7 through 9 at 6:30 p.m. at Preston Park, 415 S. Eberhart Road, Butler Township. Run time is two hours with a 15-minute intermission. Tickets are available at hobnobtheatre.com.