Fatally Funny ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Opens a Sizzling Season
Elizabeth Hurd Published: June 6th, 2016
Oklahoma Shakespeare in the Park opens Season 32 with Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” one of the bard’s most amusing romantic comedies. D. Lance Marsh, Associate Artistic Director of OSP directs the season opener with his usual distinctive flair as well as some interesting casting choices. The set is presumably the creation of Ben Hall, OSP production Manager and Technical Director and is a lovely as well as workable set. The Costume Designer for this Production is Tamitha Zook, joining OSP this season.
“Much Ado About Nothing” deals with some serious issues of the day—honor and shame alongside the politics of courtly behavior. These subjects are tackled head on while the characters are caught up in situations of robust hilarity serving to drive home the points rather than trivialize them. Benedick and Beatrice, trade barbs of criticism rather than charms of witticism as young couples destined to fall in love often do. Similarly Benedick’s friend Claudio loves Hero, cousin to Beatrice. Leonato, father to Hero and uncle to Beatrice alongside his friend Don Pedro encourage both sets of lovers. Meanwhile Don John, Leonato’s jealous bastard brother conspires to destroy the happiness of Claudio and Hero in order to ruin his brother by destroying the daughter and everyone’s reputation. The use of gossip and innuendo is just as prevalent in Shakespeare’s time as it is today and Shakespeare specifically addresses how easily the men jump to the conclusion that women are fickle in their fear of cuckoldry. Truth and love are ultimately born as the false accusations are revealed and Benedick and Beatrice work together for justice. Everyone else ensures that these two each overhear of the others ‘secret and unrequited’ love. “Much Ado About Nothing” is truly an indication of how much harm can be caused by falsehood and how much humor comes from exposing the lies. Timeless conundrums from common speech and current attitude.
Cast members perform quite well in all cases, and although the age disparities sometimes create a somewhat uncomfortable picture, the performances are all very competent and assured. The role of Leonato is brilliantly played by Mark Branson creating a welcoming environment for all the cast members as well as the audience. Prince of Aragon, Don Pedro is played by Clayton Blair, who, although a little young for the part certainly generates a convincing aura of command. The lovely Hero and Claudio are played to two young but skillful actors, with Madelon Wink developing a warm and forgiving Hero and Nicholas Mayes a cocky Claudio. The role of the truly self-assured Benedick is expertly handled by Wil Rogers and the role of the beautiful and brassy Beatrice is done by Renee Krapff. Unfortunately the age disparities in the cast and awkward direction coupled with the voluminous tented costume for Krapff provide an unflattering and matronly veneer. Fortunately for the show, Krapff is a trouper, with the uncanny ability to generously overcome the accidental sabotage and deliver an exciting and truly beautiful performance. It is Krapff’s delivery that makes the bantering with Rogers so amusing and the entire show well worth the viewing.
Other delightful performances come from Hal Kohlman as Dogberry, Mark Johnson as Antonio, Travis Huddleston as Borachio, and Eliza Hare as Margaret. The entire cast roster mesh as a well-oiled machine under Marsh’s generally intelligent direction.
‘Much Ado About Nothing” plays through June 25, 2016 at the Myriad Botanical Gardens in downtown Oklahoma City with an 8:00 o’clock curtain. While the season is shaping up as a sizzler, when it begins to swelter, performances for “Scenes from an Execution” as well as “The Liar” will be staged in the indoor venue at 2920 Paseo. Then back outdoors for a cool “Romeo & Juliet”. For information and tickets visit www.oklahomashakespeare.com or call 405-235-3700.