Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
World War Two has ended and the world is bright and lovely in Messina once again. There Leonato, a wealthy and respected nobleman, shares his house with his lovely daughter, Hero, his quick-witted niece, Beatrice, and his loyal brother, Antonio.
As the play begins, Leonato prepares to welcome his close friend, Don Pedro, home from the war. Don Pedro accompanied by two fellow soldiers: Claudio, a well-respected young nobleman, and Benedick, a clever man who constantly makes witty jokes, often at the expense of his friends.
Don John, Don Pedro's misanthropic illegitimate brother, is part of the crowd as well, and is looking for opportunity to make trouble for the others.
When the soldiers arrive at Leonato's home, Claudio quickly falls in love with Hero. Meanwhile, Benedick and Beatrice resume the war of witty insults that they have carried on with each other in the past. Claudio and Hero pledge their love to one another and decide to be married.
Meanwhile, Leonato, Claudio and Hero join with Don Pedro in a plan to bring together Beatrice and Benedick, who are clearly meant for each other, Thanks to the helpful machinations of their friends, Beatrice and Benedick are tricked into thinking that each harbours a secret passion for the other.
Meanwhile Don John contrives a more malicious plot with the assistance of his follower Borachio: Claudio is led to believe that he has witnessed Hero in a compromising situation on the night before her wedding day - in fact it is her maid Margaret with Borachio.
Claudio denounces Hero during the marriage ceremony. She faints and on the advice of the Friar, who is convinced of her innocence, Leonato announces that she is dead.
Dogberry is a parody of the inefficient officer of the law. He loves words, but continually misuses them, and is so convinced of his own importance that no-one listens to him. His watchmen overhear Borachio boasting of his exploit and the plot is exposed. Claudio promises to make amends to Leonato: he is required to marry a cousin of Hero's in her place.
A happy ending ensues when the 'cousin' is revealed as Hero herself and Beatrice and Benedick are cornered into admitting their love for each other in front of all.
Players
- BENEDICK, a young Lord of Padua -- Janet Edmonds
- LEONATO, Governor of Messina -- Kay Anonsen
- ANTONIO, his Brother -- Jean Graham
- DON PEDRO, a nobleman -- Megan Jones
- DON JOHN, Don Pedro's illegitimate brother -- Wendy Rodgers
- BORACHIO, follower of Don John -- Heidi Coombs Thorne
- CONRADE, follower of Don John -- Kaya Payne
- DOGBERRY, a Constable -- Kelly Jones
- VERGES, a Headborough -- Natalie Falk
- FRIAR FRANCIS -- Annie Antonenko
- Soldier / Third Watchman -- Danielle Croke
- Messenger / Second Watchman -- Bridget Woodrow
- Soldier / First Watchman -- Madeline Holden
- HERO, Daughter to Leonato -- Victoria Wells-Smith
- BEATRICE, Niece to Leonato -- Jill Kennedy
- MARGARET, Waiting-gentlewoman -- April Lacey
- URSULA, Waiting-gentlewoman -- Vanessa Woodford
- Gentlewoman / Francis Seacoal, the SEXTON -- Ashlynn Kenny
- Gentlewoman -- Sarah Murphy
- Gentlewoman -- Sara Hawkins
Production team
- Director -- Jennifer Deon
- Stage Management -- Sylina Jones
- Assistant Stage Management -- Danielle Croke
- Assistant Stage Management -- Jenny Trites
- Costume Design -- Jennifer King
- Dance Choreographer -- Victoria Wells-Smith
Much Ado About Nothing
Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 16-August 14, 2008 at 6 p.m.
St. John's Cabot 500 Theatre, Bowring Park
Also playing
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