MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Opens Tonight at City Theatre

A mix of verbal jousting, slapstick, mischievous characters, and romance is set to bring Much Ado about Nothing, William Shakespeare's most-loved romantic comedies, to the City Theatre stage. Directed by Bridget Farias, a cast of twenty actors makes the production the largest staged Shakespeare play at City Theatre. The show runs tonight, June 13 - July 7, 2013.

Much Ado finds Beatrice and Benedick, two affirmed singletons engaged in a "merry war," who would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. However, the pugnacious pair is forced to forge a partnership in order to defend house and honor, and salvage the love of Hero and Claudio after deceptions destroy the lovers' wedding day. Blundering through the plots are Dogberry, Leonato, Friar Francis and a host of unpredictable characters, providing much of the fun and enjoyment amongst the search for true love. Can Hero remain faithful to Claudio? And will the earnest endeavor to restore a young romance elicit an unexpected change of heart for the unlikely collaborators as well?

Many theatre-goers cite Much Ado about Nothing as their favorite Shakespearean comedy. Why is that? It doesn't have the famous speeches or characters of A Midsummer Night's Dream or The Taming of the Shrew. But what it does have in spades is a wonderful central couple on the journey to find their true and one love. Benedick and Beatrice are two people audiences can relate to, and their mature and beautiful realization that they want each other, and enjoy each other, and actually need each other is one of the most fulfilling and moving of Shakespeare's creations. And it's a perfect play to bring anyone to, especially those that may not have ever seen a Shakespeare play. "If you've never seen a Shakespearean production before, this is a great place to start," mentions Director Bridget Farias. "Even on its 415th birthday, the play remains a fresh and funny romantic comedy."

The City Theatre has assembled an exciting ensemble for the show with actors seen recently on Austin stages and in many Shakespeare productions around the city. The talented cast includes Kevin Gates, Nikki Zook, Mick D'Arcy, Robert Deike, Casey Weed, Clay Avery, Heath Thompson, Laura Ray, Toni Baum, Eva McQuade, Leigh Hegedus, Tyler Haggard, Tracy Hurd, Chris Casey, Maggie Bell, Stephen Cook, Darren Scharf, Lindsay Palinsky, Terah Zolman, and Leanna Holmquist. The play is directed by guest director Bridget Farias, Artistic Director of the EmilyAnn Theatre in Wimberley, Texas

City Theatre Company is an Austin-based not for profit arts organization and is sponsored in part by the Austin Creative Alliance and the Austin Cultural Arts Division. Founded in 2006, the company has been recognized by the Austin Critics Table Awards, the B. Iden Payne Awards and is twice voted "Best Theatre Company" by Austin-American Statesman's Austin 360. CTC is dedicated in providing quality theatre experience and entertainment for Austin artist's and its community.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING will run tonight, June 13 - July 7, Thursday - Saturday 8:00 p.m. Sunday 5:30 p.m. No showing July 4. All performances play The City Theatre, 3823 Airport Blvd. 78722 - east corner of Airport Blvd. and 38 ½ Street.

General Seating $15. Guaranteed Front/2nd Row Reserved $25. Students $12. Thursday all seats $10. Group discounts are available. Reservations 512-524-2870 or info@citytheatreaustin.org or www.citytheatreaustin.org.

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