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Performances &
Events
Much Ado About Nothing
a comedy by William Shakespeare
The path to true love is rarely smooth in this fun comedy full of misconception, wit, and romance.
Department of Theatre & Drama
Power Center
December 9 - 12, 2010
Overview
The Story: On their way home from a war, a group of soldiering friends visits the home of Leonato and his daughter Hero and niece Beatrice. A self-proclaimed bachelor, Benedick, easily falls into a skirmish of words with his old acquaintance, the equally independent Beatrice. Meanwhile, Claudio falls instantly in love with Hero and rushes to propose. But Don John, jealous of the young lovers, plots to ruin the wedding through deceit. Will Claudio decide to trust the love in his heart or to believe what he thinks he sees? Can Beatrice and Benedick stop bickering long enough to recognize their love for each other? As passions strain, everyone learns the realities of love and the importance of second chances.
Background: Written in 1598, Much Ado About Nothing immediately became one of Shakespeare’s most popular works. Much Ado depicts the absurd behavior of men and women in love – something that hasn’t changed much in the 400 years since its debut. A romantic comedy that nearly becomes a tragedy, the play is filled with wooing, misunderstandings, eavesdropping, and clever wordplay. Indeed, the merry war of wit between Beatrice and Benedick, a subplot to the main story, often steals the show – King Charles I even attempted to rename the play for the pair. An intricate tale of the various ways love is revealed and tested, Much Ado About Nothing takes two couples along different paths to the same ending.
Cast
CAP Designs
Artistic Staff
| Director | John Neville-Andrews |
| Scenic Designer | Gary Decker |
| Costume Designer | Jessica Hahn |
| Lighting Designer | Rob Murphy |
| Stage Manager | Emily Stromberg |
Photos
Click here to view photos from Much Ado
Program
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