Redmond High takes on Shakespeare with ‘Much Ado About Nothing’

The playful banter of the Bard will return to the Redmond High School (RHS) stage with the theater department's presentation of William Shakespeare's comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" from Nov. 10-12 and 17-19.

November 9, 2011 4:37 pm
Redmond High School students rehearse for the upcoming production of 'Much Ado About Nothing.' In the foreground (from left) are Emma Broback
Redmond High School students rehearse for the upcoming production of 'Much Ado About Nothing.' In the foreground (from left) are Emma Broback

The playful banter of the Bard will return to the Redmond High School (RHS) stage with the theater department’s presentation of William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” from Nov. 10-12 and 17-19.

All performances will be at the Redmond Performing Arts Center at 17272 N.E. 104th and begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10 for adults and $5 for students and seniors. Thursday shows are half price.

While the original play was set in Messina, a port city of Sicily, the RHS production will take place in Cleveland in 1952.

“It is a very volatile time and place in history,” said director Misty Doty. “Men are back from World War II and heading off to Korea. McCarthyism is in full swing. Women are fighting to find their place in society. They are expected to be good housewives, but many enjoyed the opportunity to work in ‘male’ professions during the previous war and we start to see the beginnings of women’s lib.”

Against this 1950s American backdrop, Shakespeare’s characters come alive. The plot winds its way through the relationships of two couples: Benedick and Beatrice, who both detest love, marriage,and each other; and Claudio and Hero, who share a sweet, enduring love despite the obstacles thrown in their way. The scheming and deception of a supporting cast of characters conspire to bring the couples together or drive them apart.

“The story is so much fun,” says Grace Lindsey, who plays Hero. “There’s love, humor, deceit and tears all wrapped up into one show. That’s the joy of Shakespeare.”

The challenge of Shakespeare, according to the actors, has been the Elizabethan language, but because the text of this play is mostly prose, it will be easier for the audience to understand. Doty said working on this piece has given the students “a sense of confidence and empowerment in dealing with heightened language.”

“Shakespeare is full of wordplay,” said Aron Daw, who plays Benedick. “You can read the play five times and each time you’ll pick up on new nuances and find deeper meaning behind a lot of the phrases.”

Doty said, “I enjoy what my actors are doing with the play. They crack me up.”

Lindsey added, “Each actor brings his or her own twist to their character, and I think people will be really excited to see how it plays out. We’re all so excited to share it.”

For more information, visit www.RedmondDrama.org.