Mask and Bauble’s production of Much Ado About Nothing dabbles in deception that is both playful and malicious. Director Cora Weissbourd (CAS ‘06) chose to set the Shakespearean comic favorite in the 1920s, which augments the production’s effervescent air.
At the heart are two unwilling lovers, Beatrice (Cat Graves, CAS ‘08) and Benedick (Ian Fahey, CAS ‘07) brought together by tricks contrived by their friends. Weissbourd decided on the unusal setting because the decade’s gender conflict mirrored Much Ado’s own battle of the sexes. Accordingly, era-appropriate musical interludes contribute to the lightheartedness of the play with jazzy big-band beats.
The first few scenes are a bit overwhelming with the frantic movement of many of the characters, but once each actor settles into his or her role the chemistry among the entire cast becomes apparent. Particularly palpable is the connection between Leonato (Clark Young, CAS ‘09), Don Pedro (Van Bloys, CAS ‘09) and Claudio (Kevin Bowles, CAS ‘09), the primary perpetrators behind the romantic scheme. The three actors create a tangible link among their characters, allowing the comedic plot of the play to blossom into full hilarity.
The abrasive Benedick is entertaining throughout the play. His booming character works well with Fahey’s skill at contriving consistently comical movements, often overshadowing his counterpart Beatrice. Graves pours her energies into hamming up Beatrice’s body language, which sometimes comes across as overdone and unnatural, detracting from her character.
At other times, though, Graves’ body language can illuminate an entire scene. The caustic tension that typically percolates between the two is not as palpable in Mask and Bauble’s production. This gives the play a softer undertone and more opportunity to expand upon the darker second half of the plot, which centers on the troubles of Claudio’s relationship with Hero (Elyce Henkin, MSB ‘07).
The smaller supporting roles are dazzling. Their comic forays serve to lighten up the second half of the play, which is complicated by Don John’s (Don Pedro’s bastard brother) malicious designs. While the central characters spiral into disarray and despair, the peripheral characters subtly step into the comedic limelight. The servants and watchmen are of particular note. Margaret’s (Katy Debo, MSB ‘08) darting jibes at Beatrice’s newfound romance extend the dynamic of wit to the rest of the cast. Dogberry (Seamus Sullivan, SFS ‘08) and the Watchmen (Debo and Lauren Gaskill, SFS ‘07, a Voice staffer) steal the second half of the show. Their hilarious and colorful slew of encounters with the slippery Conrade (Meghan Orie, CAS ‘07) and Borachio (Patrick Nanson, SFS ‘09) propel the development of the comedy.
The strength of the play and actors alike lies in their incessant adherence to details. Each character utilizes a wide variety of body language and facial expressions to augment the play’s convivial feel. Mask and Bauble’s Much Ado carefully brings the acting, lighting, music and casting into a clever, tightly-knit and, most importantly, enjoyable play.
Much Ado About Nothing is running from October 10-29, at 8pm. Tickets can be purchased online or in Red Square for $12.
