Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing was probably written about 1598 and first published in the First Folio of 1623.

In one of his darker comedies, Shakespeare explores the themes of love, fidelity, innuendo and betrayal. The plays opens in a frolic of merriment, but the mood darkens with the entrance of sinister Don John, one of the most unrelievedly villainous characters in the Shakesperean canon. His machinations to wreck the marriage of Claudio and Hero are eventually exposed by the inadvertent arrival of the sententious Constable Dogberry, but not before significant damage has been done to the idyllic relationship between the young lovers. As a counterpoint to the adolescent passion of Claudio and Hero, Shakespeare adds a subplot featuring the rather cynical courtship ritual played out by Beatrice and Benedick.

Cast
Leonato - Noel Badrian
Hero - Becca Maggie
Beatrice - Michele Eaton
Leonato's Brother/First Watchman - Joseph Tabler
Margaret - Charlotte Duckett
Ursula/Boy - Maureen Boutilier
Don Pedro (Prince) - Jeff Moon
Count Claudio - David Pricket
Signior Benedick- Brett Downey
Messenger/Balthasar/Second Watchman/Sexton/Lord - Phil Benson
Signior Antonio/Friar/First Lord - Denis Daly
Don John - Andrew Coleman
Borachio - John Burlinson
Conrade - Peter Tucker
Dogberry - Bob Neufeld
Verges - Marty Kris
George Seacoal - Norman Elfer
Stage directions read by Alan Weyman

Audio edited by Denis Daly.

Cover design by Denis Daly

Music
Act 5
Excerpts from Ancient Airs and Dances, Suite No.1 by Ottorino Respighi
Performed by United State Marine Band

Song - Act 5 Scene 3
Pardon, goddess of the night
Sung by Leanne Yau

The script for this recording was kindly provided by Folger Digital Texts.

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