Actors' Shakespeare Project Takes On The Game Of Love In William Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Actors' Shakespeare Project (ASP) brings William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing to the Multicultural Arts Center, 41 Second Street in Cambridge, April 11 through May 6. (Opening/Press Performance Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 8 PM). Directed by Christopher V. Edwards***, this wittiest and most enchanting of Shakespeare's comedies lights up the giddiness of the game of love, tempered by conspiracy. For more information, visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.

Benedick (Omar Robinson) is determined to "die a Bachelor"; Beatrice (Brooke Hardman) can't imagine loving a man she can't tolerate. They might just be the perfect couple. Claudio (Esme Allen) and Hero (Lydia Barnett-Mulligan) are instantly smitten with one another. While the villain Don John (Alejandro Simoes) sows seeds of rumor and alternative truths, the success of two noble marriages hinges on the hilarious efforts of local law enforcement.

"Set in the contemporary world of an abstracted orchard, our production uses songs, Shakespeare's words, and focuses on the intricacies of human interactions when love and free will clash at a garden party, a wedding and a funeral," says director Christopher Edwards. "Much Ado About Nothing explores the cunning and mischief that can unravel reputations and couples of any gender."

According to Edwards, "At its core, this play could easily end in tragedy, like Othello. However-- spoiler alert--it ends with two happy marriages. Regardless of contemporary shifts around same-sex relationships and gender identity, our basic insecurities, desires, and opinions about love and commitment have endured for centuries. Much Ado in a way creates the modern romantic comedy, inspiring many examples, and defines the all too familiar ebb and flow between the extremes of love and hate."

The cast features Resident Company Members Lydia Barnett-Mulligan* as Hero, Brooke Hardman* as Beatrice, Omar Robinson* as Benedick. Other cast members include Esme Allen* as Claudio, Avery Bargar as Don Pedro, ASP Youth Alum Abigail Dickson as Borachio, Andrew Prensky as Garet, Alejandro Simoes* as Don John/Dogberry and Mark Soucy as Leonato.

The creative and production team includes Jon Savage** (sets), Deb Sullivan** (lights), Abby Shenker (props), and Adele Nadine Traub * (stage manager).

Performance & Education Project Schedule

Free Open Rehearsal Get a glimpse into the process of making theater through our Open Rehearsals, which include a director's talk, rehearsal of scenes, and a Q&A. Free! Saturday, March 31 from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Not 2 B at the Somerville Armory. Please RSVP to ASP's Audience Services at boxoffice@actorsshakespeareproject.org.

Preview performances: Wednesday, April 11, Thursday, April 12, and Friday, April 13 at 7:30 PM.

Official opening and press performance: Saturday, April 14, 2018, at 8 PM. Please RSVP to Joanne Barrett 617-834-6021 and jbpr@comcast.net.

Regular Performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 PM; Saturdays at 3 PM & 8 PM; and Sundays at 2 PM with post-show conversation. Special midweek matinee Wednesday, April 18, 2018, at 2 PM.

Tickets

Tickets are $25-$55 ($15 student rush) and can be purchased at actorsshakespeareproject.org, or OvationTix at 866.811.4111, or at the theater, although selection may be limited. Senior discount tickets are $3 off of regular price. Groups of 10+ may reserve seats for select performances via ASP's Audience Services at 617.776.2200 x225 or groups@actorsshakespeareproject.org.

About ASP

Actors' Shakespeare Project is an award-winning professional theater company with a Resident Acting Company and extensive education, youth and community programs. ASP performs and works in found spaces, schools, theaters and neighborhoods to present and explore the robust language, resonant stories, and deeply human characters in Shakespeare's plays and in works by other great playwrights. Our work is ensemble-based and focused on intimacy, storytelling, language, relationships, voice, risk and artistry within and throughout the Boston area. For more information visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.

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