Wed - Jul 8, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Preview Performance | YP Preview Night
Thu - Jul 9, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Preview Performance
Fri - Jul 10, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Opening Night | Audio Description Service Available
Sat - Jul 11, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Thu - Jul 16, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Fri - Jul 17, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Sat - Jul 18, 2026 - 2:00 PM
Sat - Jul 18, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Sun - Jul 19, 2026 - 2:00 PM
Post-Show Q&A with Cast
Wed - Jul 22, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Thu - Jul 23, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Fri - Jul 24, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Sat - Jul 25, 2026 - 2:00 PM
Sign Language Interpreted
Sat - Jul 25, 2026 - 7:30 PM
Dogberry and Verges are Scared By Michael Doherty and Will Mobley
July 10 - 25, 2026
Experience Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing from the point of view of Messina’s most misguided watchmen, Dogberry and Verges. Armed with lanterns, loyalty, and very little logic, these unlikely heroes blunder their way to a happy conclusion for all. Off stage, Benedick and Beatrice spar their way toward the aisle, while our bumbling constables take center stage. As they patrol the periphery, they stumble into a brand-new adventure fueled by paranoia, pride, and plenty of nonsense. This World Premiere buddy comedy will warm your heart and leave you laughing long after the lanterns go out.
Following past initiatives likeProject Hamlet, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company continues its passion for exploring stories beyond Shakespeare’s original canon with Project Much Ado. This summer, audiences can enjoy Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing completely free at FREE Shakespeare in the Park July 14-September 6, 2026, then head to the mainstage July 10-25, 2026 for Dogberry and Verges are Scared, a wildly funny new adventure following two of Much Ado About Nothing's most chaotic and unlikely “heroes.” Together, these productions offer audiences the chance to experience Shakespeare’s classic story from two wildly different perspectives, discovering new layers of comedy, humanity, and theatrical imagination along the way!
Cincinnati Shakespeare Company and Slipperty Trout Productions's new play Dogberry and Verges are Scared has been officially accepted into the world-renowned Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the largest arts festival in the world! This prestigious international festival is known for launching groundbreaking new work and showcasing innovative artists from across the globe. Being selected for the Fringe is a major honor and places Cincy Shakes alongside some of the most exciting and adventurous theatre companies working today. Below is information on how to find us in Scotland this summer!
Performances: Tuesday-Sunday, August 5-30, 2026 at 3:35 PM
Venue: main house at C ARTS | C venues | C aurora
Lauriston Halls & Sacred Heart Church
28 Lauriston St, Edinburgh EH3 9DJ, United Kingdom
Dogberry and Verges Are Scared performed at the 2025 Philadelphia Fringe Festival to boisterous houses and rave reviews.
One of the highest-grossing shows of the festival, boasting a 33% increase in ticket sales from its first to second weekend, due to word of mouth.
Named one of the “Eight Best Shows” of the Fringe by the Philadelphia Inquirer.
The Broad Street Review called it "one of the 2025 Fringe Festival’s must-see productions” and “blessedly short.”
The Philadelphia Inquirer called the performances of the two leads "nothing short of wonderful."
Beyond My Backyard said, "You won't enjoy anything more than Dogberry and Verges Are Scared."
