Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING - Austin Shakespeare's Romantic Comedy

Austin Shakespeare has long ruled the 'Bard scene' in Shakespearean production here in central Texas. Oh, sure, others produce a play or two, but Austin Shakes has been the top of the heap for decades. Their productions have always been filled with the best Austin has to offer and have delighted audiences time and time again. More recently there are some serious contenders for the throne, Something for Nothing, Present Company and The Hidden Room produce stellar Shakespearean fare with their own unique spin. I for one am excited to watch the healthy competition between these various companies because I know who the winner will be...us, the viewing public and what could be better than that?

Opening Austin Shakespeare's 2017 - 2018 Season is arguably Shakespeare's most romantic comedy MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. The play was likely penned between 1598 and 1599, but has many elements that could have been ripped straight from 21st century headlines, such is the timelessness of the Bard. Governor of Messina, Leonato (Derek Webster) welcomes a group of homeward bound soldiers into his home, including Prince of Aragon, Don Pedro (Colum Parke Morgan), is friends, Benedick (Marc Pouhé) and young Claudio ( Joseph Banks). Also in their company is Don Pedro's wicked brother Don John (Samson Pleasant), and his cronies, bent on making mischief in any way he can. Wooing begins between Hero, Leonato's daughter (Corinna Browning) and the young Duke Claudio. More interestingly a war of wits begins between Leonato's niece, Beatrice (Gwendolyn Kelso) and Benedick, who try to out snark the other. Nefarious deeds are afoot Curtis of Don John and local law enforcement, in the form of classic Shakespeare clown Dogberry (Toby Minor) become hilariously involved in the story. Love wins the day and everyone, except the villains, are part of the happy ending.

Director Ann Ciccolella has assembled a top notch leading cast who keep the poetry flowing and the comedy rolling. Her staging is attractive and flows well, with the exception of an awkward scene change or two. I do however question the use of Bossa Nova music in the Edwardian setting defined by the costuming. The music is beautiful, but seemed incongruous and jarring. Costumes designed by Benjamin Taylor Ridgway are uneven; while the women's dresses are beautiful and lush, the military coats for Benedick, Claudio and Don Pedro are ill fitting and lacked texture. The cast has exemplary leads headed by the always amazing Gwendolyn Kelso in her return to the Austin stage. She embodies the feisty Beatrice, keeping step with Marc Pouhé's Benedick is no mean feat. Pouhé is as always wonderfully watchable. Toby Minor steals the show with his heavily physical comedic Dogberry. The cast falls sharply off in talent as the roles get smaller however. Even more lacking is a certain magic one has come to expect from Austin Shakespeare. The show as a whole is watchable but certainly not the best Shakespeare the city has had on offer recently and with the ticket price added to the $8.00 parking fee, one wonders if it's better to wait for spring and free Shakespeare done with more enthusiasm by up and coming companies.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
by William Shakespeare
Austin Shakespeare
Rollins Theatre, The Long Center
November 15 - December 3

Running Time: 2.5 hours, with one 15 minute intermission

Tickets: thelongcenter.org

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