We're hitting a bunch of the Colorado Shakespeare Festival (http://www.coloradoshakes.org/) shows this year, and their production of Much Ado, which we saw last Saturday, is a good example why. A fine combo of drama, wit, and slapstick, the play was executed with some fine acting by the principals and secondary players alike. Of particular note, the married-in-real-life Benedick (Peter Simon Hilton) and Beatrice (Vanessa Morosco) are both a particular delight, and Don John's villainous lieutenant Borachio (Sam Hardy) was neatly played.
That's the one Shakespearean comedy on for this season, alas, with Othello, Henry V, and Henry VI, Part 1. Should be an entertaining (and henceforth dramatic/tragic) summer.
Shakespeare Festival’s ‘Much Ado’ ably portrays triumph of love
When the smoke clears and the dust settles, the triumph of love should inspire and invigorate. It’s a thread that runs through all the Bard’s romances, but the formula can be particularly effective, direct and endearing in “Much Ado About Northing,” as long as the execution is on target. And the execution is definitely on target in the CSF’s current production of the piece.
Ha! I hadn’t realized when Margie was telling me about this production, but seeing your post, it’s funny — I actually know Peter Hilton, from my acting/stage combat days, when he was married to another friend of mine. So now I’m doubly curious to see the production!