Rebeca Reeves said that when she came out to the opening night of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” on July 26 in Onset, she was looking forward to “Comedy, lightness, and a breeze from the water.”

And light it was. The free production — put on by Midsummer Shakespeare and the Glass Horse Project’s Shakespeare in New Bedford — gave viewers an opportunity to experience the play in a way they can’t in theaters. 

The audience enjoyed the sun and fresh air while relaxing on their beach chairs. Kids had plenty of room to run around and no one had to buy expensive snacks at the theater cafe because guests were allowed to bring their own. 

There was no intermission and the performance ran about 90 minutes.

But the best part of the show: the tickets were free and the actors spoke in contemporary language. 

What may be the world’s original rom-com, “Much Ado About Nothing,” is best known as the tale of Beatrice (Jess Wilson) and Benedick (Nate Punches), who exchange cutting remarks until they wind up falling in love. 

Even though their relationship is put to the test, Benedick and Beatrice join forces to set things right, and unlike Shakespeare’s tragedies, the end result is a family-friendly happily ever after.

Directed by Maura Van Voris, the beloved comedy takes place in a modern-day yacht club and had been updated with some gender-bending — Friar Francis becomes Mother Frances, Leonato is Leonata — and some of the finer plot points have been brought up to date. 

Actors said the comedy is about the backlash of miscommunication and gossip. For Benedick and Beatrice, even as they are on the point of marriage, they miscommunicate, resulting in comedic misunderstandings that threaten their relationship.

“We put a modern spin on the show so it underlines miscommunication that happens so easily with technology nowadays ... It is so easy for us to misunderstand something while there is a whole larger story going on that we might not be aware of,” said actor Allison Dukes. 

Dukes plays Dona Petra in the production, a female version of original character Don Pedro.

The cast performed at the Onset Bandshell, just a few steps from the water. The script was also full of nautical references and jokes. The set was a seaside garden, with a dock extending towards the audience.

Onset resident Leeandra Booth plays Margaret, and said that she enjoyed the role. 

“My character is sassy and sexy,” said Booth. “She means the best even though she ends up being the cause of one of the problems that happen in the play but she is just fun and free and happy and loving and it has been a very fun role.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” will be performed at the Onset Bandshell at 6:30 p.m. on July 27 and 28. 

For a list of other performances across the South Coast, go to facebook.com/theglasshorseproject. The performance is free but donations will be accepted.