Much Ado About Nothing

  • April 7th, 1983 - April 17th, 1983
  • Campus Theatre
  • Drama
  • Classic Dramatic Series
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Shakespeare play begins FC run

— Fullerton College Hornet  - Robert Borsum - Friday, April 8th, 1983
REHEARSAL-Cast members belonging to the FC Theater's production, "Much Ado About Nothing" warm up for tonight's show. The Bards famous/play has been updated to 1900s San Francisco for its FC run.

Fullerton College's production of William Shakespeares's world court comedy play, "Much Ado About Nothing," will be presented tonight (April 8) and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Campus Theatre.

The play, directed by FC theatre adviser Tom Blank and starring equity actors Jack Murdock and Leslie Bisno in the roles of Leonato and Benedick respectively, will also run next Thursday, Friday and Saturday (Apr. 14-16), at 8 p.m. and Sunday (April 17) at 5:30 p.m.

In regards to the two professionalsin-residence, Blank said, "They are very talented, and we are real lucky that they were available for the project.

"Murdock is a real familiar face (performing in the television series "Fame" and numerous other stage, screen and television productions). Leslie is not quite as well-known as Jack, but he has been around (the business) for five or six years," Blank said.

"Both are really excited about this project because it is a little different for them. It has also been neat to see how they work with our kids," Blank said.

Serving as understudies to the equity actors are FC students Scott Johnson (Bendick), and Ed Green (Leonato).

Other students cast in lead roles are Paul Stetler (Claudio), Rand L. Hudson (Don Pedro), Michael Kelly (Don John), Debra Rae Hamby (Beatrice), and Laure Celeste MacConnell (Hero).

Cast in supporting roles are FC students Denis Gawronski (Borachio), Kathy Van Schaik (Consuelo), Ron Dickinson (Dogberry), Christopher Allison (Verges), Diana Sfakinanos (Ursula), and Judy K. Burgard (Margaret).

Also appearing are FC students Nancie Nelson, Jannine San Toinann, John Menke, Joey L.

Hufferd, Dougless Chatfield, Kris Tibbets, Jeffry John Kamka, Carl Ray and Rick Rafanovich.

Bob Jensen is the scenic designer, Gary Krinke designed the costumes and Donna Ruzika is the lighting designer.

Blank, a veteran director of college and professional performances, has updated and Americanized FC's production of "Much Ado About Nothing" so that.it better appeals to a 1983 California audience.

The FC version will be set in San Francisco, Calif., in the 1900s. The show will feature chase scenes with "Keystone Kops," Ragtime music elements '6f melodrama and a barbershop "'quartet performing in some scenes.

By and large I am real excited about this production, and I feel it is going to be real exciting for the audience to watch," Blank said.

Tickets for all performances of "Much Ado About Nothing" are on sale at the Campus Theatre box office during the week from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Tickets will also be on sale one hour prior to curtain time.

Prices are $4 to the general public, $3 for students without FC AS cards, seniors and FC patrons, and free to FC students who possess AS cards. Tickets may be charged on Mastercard or Visa credit cards.

"Much Ado About Nothing" is being presented as a joint effort by the FC Theatre Department, FC Community Services and the FC Associated Students.