Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Adam Czaplewski

Much Ado About Nothing is a comic romance between Hero and Claudio: Claudio loves Hero and Hero loves Claudio. It seems nothing can tear them apart. Beatrice (Hero's cousin) and Benedick both love and despise each other. It seems nothing can bring their love together.

The show centers around themes of romance, jealousy and deceit, and is one of Shakespeare's better-known comedies. Nasty gossip gets between Hero and Claudio, and Beatrice and Benedick discover their friends' lies may contain truth, as they all say these two are actually in love. Meanwhile, Dogberry (a comically bumbling police chief) and his deputy can't seem to do anything right.

Featured Songs: "Let’s Go Crazy" by Prince, "Let’s Dance" by David Bowie, "Bad" by Michael Jackson, "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell, and "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper

A message from the Director: Much Ado has all the makings of a classic 1980s romantic comedy, and music and dance already feature heavily in the script. It wasn’t hard to adapt to fit an 80s setting. The themes of romance, jealousy, and deceit are all universal and timeless. I want to create a ridiculously fun and entertaining production that anyone can come and enjoy no matter your prior experience with the bard may be.

For those still not sure about Shakespeare, an In-formance, one hour prior to curtain time at all performances will enlighten. The In-Formance includes a bit more comedy, and what you missed in high school English class.  Your ears will get a bit of training on how to listen to Shakespearean English, and you'll enjoy a light, re-visit to the famous "Balcony Scene" from Romeo and Juliet. "Brit Lit" expert, Patricia McIntyre helps explain the romance, pending tragedy, and teen angst that captures Romeo and Juliet's tale Renaissance era and Modern Era actors take the stage to dramatize the tale.

Produced by West Bend Theatre Co at Jansen Family Park, 3745 Shuster Drive, West Bend, WI 53090

West Bend Theatre Company is a 100% volunteer non-profit organization that donates 50% of the proceeds from every show to a local non-profit organization.

Performances: August 23-26, 2018

Performance Times:
Thursday, August 23rd – Saturday, August 25th, 7:30 – 10:00 PM
Sunday, August 26th, 2:00 PM

Ticket Prices: $15 Adults, $7 Students

Proceeds benefit Concordia University Wisconsin Theatre programs.

Call 262-305-9613 or visit www.wbtheatreco.com for reservations or more information.