Shakespeare Theatre Company Serves up a Spicy and Romantic "Much Ado"

By Amy

When you think of Shakespeare, you probably don't think of sultry music or dirty dancing, but that's only if you haven't yet seen Shakespeare Theatre Company's version of "Much Ado About Nothing."  Set in a 1930s  Cuban hacienda, this classic comedy takes on a seductive new life with slinky costumes, a romantic lantern-lit courtyard, and the latin beats of the rumba and cha-cha-cha.  If you rarely get a date night, forget the movies and the popcorn and set the stage for a truly memorable evening by surprising your romantic partner with the flirty fun of this show.

Shakespeare's play "Much Ado About Nothing" is racy, witty, and especially endearing because it is about mature love and second chances.  Beatrice and Benedick have been burned before, steeled against love, and protected by the barbs of their wit.  Each swear they will never fall in love again, but as the tale unfolds each is drawn back to love by the not-too subtle match-making antics of their well-meaning companions. And, because this a comedy (and not one of Shakespeare's darker tragedies), even the villiany of Don John doesn't spoil the happy ending.   As directed by Ethan McSweeny, the gifted ensemble cast shines in the heat of the Cuban nights and brought our audience to its feet.  

If you haven't experienced the theater lately, I propose this night with Shakespeare as the perfect antidote to Elmo overload.   After this fun performance you may even be inspired to take a latin dance class, book a caribbean cruise, or at least crack open a college Shakespeare text with a little Cuba Libre on the side.  Either way, the winter will feel a little warmer having escaped to the tropics with the Bard of Avon as your guide!  

"Much Ado About Nothing" is currently playing in Sidney Harman Hall and has been extended through January 7, 2012.  Tickets are available by phone 202.547.1122 or by visiting the website atShakespeareTheatre.org. Also check the website for more information about the upcoming December 17 panel discussion of the production, "Classics in Context: Much Ado About Nothing."  

Congratulations to K.W. for winning 2 tickets to the show and many thanks to the Shakespeare Theatre Company for sharing this fantastic performance with us!

Photo Credits:  Mark Hairston as Borachio and Rachel Spencer Hewitt as Margaret (top) and Kathryn Meisle as Beatrice and Derek Smith as Benedick (bottom) in the Shakespeare Theatre Company's production of "Much Ado About Nothing," directed by Ethan McSweeney.  Photo by Scott Suchman.