Roseann Sheridan’s rendition of Shakespeare’s playful comedy that chronicles the relationship of two good-humored enemies turned impassioned lovers is in good form in the Stroller’s Theater production now playing at the Bartell.
“Much Ado about Nothing” has been overshadowed by the attention received by “Corpus Christi,” which is also currently at the Bartell.
The high-energy performances in “Much Ado about Nothing” are entertaining, and it is a must-see for romantics and skeptics of all ages.
The small audience drawn to “Much Ado” does not do the cast justice. Leads Karen Moeller and Craig Johnson as Beatrice and Benedick serve up the perfect combination of fiery wit and romanticism. Rebecca Kaasa and Casey Sean Grimm are ideal as the ingénue Hero and fresh-faced Claudio. Prince Don Pedro, played by Erik J. Hughes, does an excellent job retaining his composure throughout the play.
The two love stories in “Much Ado” pan out very well in this interpretation. Hero and Claudio face meddling from the prince’s brother, Don John, that threatens to rip Hero’s life apart. However, in the eyes of Shakespeare, no trickery can be final until the trickster is ultimately tricked.
The sweet “love at first sight” that Hero and Claudio share, however, is not nearly as exciting as the passionate, intellectual connection that Beatrice and Benedick share.
According to Moeller, this “war of words” and intellectual chemistry is much harder to find than physical attraction, which is why she believes it is so valuable and hard to fake.
Even though he says that he is happily not married, Johnson cannot hide his romantic side when the play is concerned. He considers the page of dialogue between Beatrice and Benedick where they declare their love for each other to be the most romantic thing that Shakespeare ever wrote. And from the way it is performed by these talented actors, I would have to agree.
Johnson, Grimm and Hughes are joined on stage by Warren Hansen, who plays Leonato, in whose garden the play takes place. These four men have a chemistry that is simply magnificent. In one scene, Benedick hides in the bushes while the other three trick him into realizing his love for Beatrice. This scheming scene is full of humorous situations, playfulness and physical comedy that create an elated audience hunched forward on the edge of their seats, anxiously awaiting each ensuing line.
Set in New Orleans in 1945, the show is timely and also boasts some great comedic performances. As stated by Moeller, the end of World War II and the homecoming of men from the war is something that many people can relate to. This was also the last time women were home waiting for the men to return. Women in 1945 were “ready to bust out” from their traditional roles. The women in this play are, for the most part, stronger than the men and ready to fulfill the new roles ahead of them.
The second act begins with the introduction of the Sheriff, Jim Stauffer, and the other members of the night watch, including Harvey Black, Marty Schwartz, Beth Shippert and Steven Van Haren. A character like Stauffer’s could only fit in this time period in the south. His word-play mixed with his blacked-out tooth and accent make for an incredibly entertaining and likeable Sheriff. He is a joy to watch.
Also included in this wonderful cast is Zachary Quarles, whose Balthazar has the voice of an angel (which is demonstrated in his two songs). Furthermore, one of these songs includes Shakespeare’s famous line, “Sigh no more, ladies. Sigh no more. Men were deceivers ever.”
All in all, this play ought to attract a wide audience with its smart humor, physical comedy, superb performances, trickery, sarcasm and overall theme of love.
“Much Ado about Nothing” continues through March 27th, on the Drury Stage at the Bartell Theater. Shows are 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with a matinee on Saturday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15.