Event Article

Humorous facial expressions, exaggerated movements and peculiar innuendos cast interest and comedy outward to audience members while watching 'Much Ado About Nothing.'

Many may expect to endure unusual speech patterns along with unfamiliar dialect in this Shakespearean production. 'Much Ado About Nothing,' ventures far into other realms of Shakespeare's poetic talents. A comical edge separates this particular play from Shakespeare's other creations.

The typical tragedy with a horribly predictable ending is not in the making, as this play unfolds on stage. An entirely different genre displays itself under the spotlights of the Campus Theater.

Creative Shakespearean language flows easily from the actors lips in poetic form, yet many are able to understand the content of the plot-line.

Jokes are not constant during this production, because the audience might not pick up on some of the humorous undertones and punch-lines which have aged with time.

Some parts of this play are meant to be serious,as the light-hearted humor gets suffocated by Don John's (Sean Chamberlin) willful urge for destruction. Three men plot for a couple in love's demise as the play continues on.

These deceitful characters make up the villains needed to complete ~ Shakespeare's basic spectrum of classic character types.

Colorful costumes illuminated the setting, as specific color schemes were used so spectators can easily depict one character to another momentarily.

Flowered, long and ruffled dresses add spunk to the women's appearance as tucked-in trousers and slightly ruffled shirts accent the men with a distinguished and upgraded look.

A water fountain onstage becomes a main spectacle of the play as the slight sounds of trickling water add to the seemingly outdoor ambiance.

The three-story villa added depth and perspective to viewers as they could see activity on all floors of the setting at one time or another during the production.

Guest actor Brian Kojac did an excellent job playing Benedick, as his facial expressions were perfectly visible and his wisecracking sense of humor was obvious and easy to laugh with.

Kessa Whiting's (Beatrice) exaggerated acts and scenarios entertained the audience visually as her good performance added humor to the production as well.

For those who dare to escape this contemporary world and adventure· into the understandable text of centuries past, 'Much Ado About Nothing would fit that .. expectation. This production combines slight old fashioned humor and seriousness, along with Shakespeare's theatrical influence into one show.