Press + Media Resources
SVS PAIRS TWO COMEDIC MASTERS FOR ONE ELECTRIC AND HILARIOUS SANBORN SEASON
Silicon Valley Shakespeare returns to Sanborn County Park this summer, July 31–September 6, 2026, with a repertory season pairing Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest and Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing.
Marking the company's first production of a work by Oscar Wilde, The Importance of Being Earnest delivers razor-sharp wit, mistaken identities, and romantic mischief. Meanwhile, Much Ado About Nothing reimagines Shakespeare's beloved comedy as a vibrant South Asian American wedding celebration inspired by Bollywood films, complete with music, dance, color, and family drama.
"At a time when many arts organizations are facing significant challenges, we're proud to continue growing while remaining committed to making theatre accessible to everyone," said Executive Director Annalisa Tkacheff. "These productions showcase the joy, connection, and sense of community that live theatre creates, and we're excited to welcome audiences to experience them together."
The repertory season also includes a series of special events designed to enhance the audience experience. During The Importance of Being Earnest, audiences can enjoy an Oscar Wilde and Edwardian Dress-Up Night with an onstage photo opportunity on Sunday, August 2nd, as well as Cookies & Tea Night in partnership with Chipidee Cookies on Sunday, August 16th. Much Ado About Nothing will feature an AAPI Heritage Night on Sunday, August 9th, highlighting businesses and organizations owned by or celebrating the AAPI community, followed by Desi Dress-Up Night with an onstage photo opportunity on Saturday, August 22nd, where guests are invited to wear traditional South Asian attire including sarees, salwar kameez, lehenga cholis, and kurtas.
Artistic Director Angie Higgins said the season was intentionally built around comedy. "Many of us could use more opportunities to laugh and celebrate together right now," Higgins said. "Both of these plays remind us that love, family, friendship, and community can be messy, but they're also what make life meaningful. Audiences can expect two joyful productions filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable characters."
Accessibility remains a cornerstone for SVS with initiatives like free admission for kids 17 and under, discounted Helping Hand tickets, and discounts for essential workers. SVS’ commitment to accessibility is also exemplified by ASL-interpreted mainstage performances on Sunday, August 16th for The Importance of Being Earnest and Sunday, August 23rd for Much Ado About Nothing, interpreted by Bay Area theatre interpreters Dane Lentz, Stephanie Renee Foisy, and Kelly Wilmeth-Weir.
Visit svshakespeare.org/tickets for tickets and additional information.
CALENDAR LISTING
WHO
Silicon Valley Shakespeare
WHAT
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
directed by Sara Kannen Dean
Much Ado About Nothing
by William Shakespeare
directed by Kunal Prasad
WHEN
July 31–September 6, 2026
Shows run in repertory Thursdays–Sundays at 7 PM
Runtime is approx. 2 hours with a 15-minute intermission
WHERE
Sanborn County Park
16055 Sanborn Rd
Saratoga, CA 95070
ADMISSION
$32–$64
Tickets and additional information about both productions are available at svshakespeare.org/tickets.
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ABOUT SILICON VALLEY SHAKESPEARE
Since 1999, Silicon Valley Shakespeare (SVS) has produced more than 55 mainstage works spanning William Shakespeare’s canon, classic theatre, and original plays, earning honors including Best Local Theatre Company in Metro Silicon Valley’s Best of Silicon Valley. SVS’ impact is reflected in annually providing nearly $2M in FREE admission, supported by initiatives such as FREE Shakespeare in the Park each June at Willow Street Frank Bramhall Park, FREE staged readings, and FREE mainstage tickets for children 17 and under. For more information about SVS, visit svshakespeare.org.