Grab a picnic and head out to Shakespeare in the Park. Othello and The Importance of Being Earnest are showing at Samuel-Grande Amphitheatre in Dallas through July 20, 2025.

A Dallas tradition, now in Season 53, Shakespeare in the Park is a family-friendly option to enjoy a show under the stars. Situated in the park-like atmosphere near Fair Park, patrons have the option to purchase ground seating and bring a blanket or low-seated chair to sit on, or you can opt for some chair seating further away from the stage.

A food truck is usually parked onsite for easy concessions, but you can also bring your own picnic food along with wine or beer to enjoy during the performance.

For this year’s version of Othello, fans are in for a treat because the Shakespeare classic has been modernized into an alternate version set in the 1990s showcasing the Venetian empire as a predominant political, military, and economic power. The changes are notable throughout the play, including via the costumes.

Keeping in theme with other Shakespeare plays like Hamlet and Macbeth, there is a theme of betrayal. Originally written around 1603 and published around 1623, Othello tells the story of a general in the service of Venice who appoints Cassio and not Iago as his chief lieutenant. As a result, Iago plots Othello’s downfall by falsely accusing Othello’s wife, Desdemona, of infidelity with Cassio. 

In this rendition of Othello, Jasonica Moore who played Emilia, really stole the show, as her character showed what it’s like to be a real girl’s girl, defending Desdemona and calling out all the liars on stage and letting everyone know that she “will speak” – even when they tried to silence her. Of course, it’s all too late because at this point Othello has already killed Desdemona.

All the actors and actresses did a stunning job. It’s always amazing to me how they can quickly and confidently recite classical Shakespeare lines which include a combination of Prose and Verse, metaphors, and alliteration. Musical elements, including usage of a violin and harmonic, along with additional sound effects also made for a memorable theatrical production.

Othello runs at Shakespeare in the Park through July 20, and The Importance of Being Earnest runs through July 18. Later this fall, Taming of the Shrew will run September 19 through October 19. Tickets to Shakespeare Dallas start at $20 and can be purchased online.

Cover photo Jordan Fraker.

Britni Rachal is a full-time marketer and a former television news producer with a life-long passion for written and visual storytelling. In her free time, she enjoys live country music, tennis, fitness, all things travel, and trying new restaurants with friends and family. In addition to journalism, she also has a love for shoes and coffee. Britni is a fifth generation Texan and a proud LSU Tiger. She currently lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.