“Nothing” is an elided version of “Noting,” or overhearing– as in a conversation. The heart of “Much Ado About Nothing,” now being presented by the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ), is about the “noting” of gossip that first sets the brave and wond’rous Claudio (Christian Frost) and Hero (Fiona Robberson), Hero being the daughter of the nobleman Leonato (Raphael Nash Thompson), then Beatrice (Jesmille Darbouze) and Benedick (Benjamin Eakeley). We learn first of Don Pedro’s (James Michael Reilly) victory and that Claudio and Benedick are boon companions and best buds. This angers Don Pedro’s brother, Don John (Jeffrey Mark Alkins), who sets the Claudio/Hero gambit in place and we’re off! Add in a couple of foolish foils, Dogberry (Michael Stewart Allen) and Verges (Richard Bourg who is also Leonato’s brother, Antonio), and the recipe for the perfect Shakespeare playdate is complete!
First and foremost, it is joyful to be attending live theater again, and especially the Outdoor Stage hosted at St. Elizabeth University’s classic Greek Theatre. Bring a chair or a blanket, a picnic, and the entire family for a delightful introduction for younger members of the family, and a vivid outing for those repeating the experience. Many attendees queue up as much as two hours early to enjoy the bucolic setting and the seating is general admission, so it is very good to arrive early. It is outdoors, so if you have a pheromone profile insects love, plan accordingly. Bring a light jacket as when the sun goes down, it can be breezy. And yes, there are the cleanest portos you have ever been to, so feel free to hydrate.
From the jump, the winsome ensemble entertains us prior to the start with acrobatics, juggling, and other derring-do. When the show begins, be sure to leave the aisles clear, as you will see actor up close and personal making entrances and exits.
This is the perfect Shakespeare introduction for the tweens and teens, who think they invented eye rolling and rumors. The younger set will have plenty to keep them occupied and for myself, I am so happy to see many of my favorite cast members whom I have been following for some time. Mr. Reilly as Don Pedro is semi-wise, as strong a commander on the battlefield, he’s a bit of a weather vane when Don John’s rumor takes root. Reilly plays this very convincingly, as he supports Claudio to the end of the earth and sees with his eyes, he thinks, when the heart would see more. Darbouze has the right amount razor sharp wit with the hidden soft chewy center that a single well-placed word or two (overheard, or noting) from her cousin reveals like the molten center in lava cake. Well worth the wee wait. Eakeley’s Benedick has a bit of Han Solo about him that other Star Wars fans may recognize, and when he “notes” that Beatrice has deep feelings, limerence is not far behind. Alkins all but twirls a Snidely Whiplash moustache as he hatches and executes his plan. Will justice be served? You will need to see for yourself. Truly the team of Dogberry and Verges alone are worth the price of admission.
Why see a play that you’ve seen many times before? Partly for the joy of knowing what is to come, and partly to share the vision of the director, Eleanor Holdridge, and the world she creates with Charlie Calvert’s scenic design, Hunter Kaczarowski’s costume design, Matthew Weisgable’s lighting and Scott Killian’s compositions and work with Christopher Peifer on sound design. Dance consultant Danielle Liccardo made some fleet feet and Jackie Mariani is the production stage manager who holds it all together, definitely a fulltime gig-and-a-half.
Make haste! Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey’s Outdoor Stage is in production through July 31! Reserve now at www.ShakespeareNJ.org, pack your meal and chairs and have the time of your life.