Santa Cruz Shakespeare the new company changed its name to Santa Cruz Shakespeare. "The New York Times" referred to the company's rebirth as an "underdog success story." For its inaugural season under its new arrangement, Santa Cruz Shakespeare presented "As You Like It", "The Merry Wives of Windsor", and "The Beard of Avon" in July and August 2014. All three shows were performed in the Sinsheimer-Stanley Festival Glen on UCSC's campus. For the 2015 season Mike Ryan took over sole Artistic Director duties and the company announced productions of "Much Ado About Nothing", "Macbeth", and David Ives's adaptation of Pierre Corneille's "The Liar".
Much Apu About Nothing agrees to be Apu's tutor to help prepare for the exam. After Lisa intervenes, Apu goes to take the test; he passes and becomes a citizen of the United States. At a congratulatory party, Homer tells his guests how terrible it would be if immigrants were deported, explaining they make the United States thrive. He inspires them to vote no on Proposition 24, but it still passes, with 95% of voters voting yes. After the ballot is passed, the only person deported is Groundskeeper Willie. "Much Apu About Nothing" was written by David S. Cohen and directed by Susie Dietter.