Review: Rice Theatre Program's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING Is Something Special

William Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, the granddaddy of all rom-coms, is the story of two courtships: Benedick and Beatrice, both too stubborn and clever for their own good, and Claudio and Hero, both too innocent and naive to not be taken advantage of by the resident villain. It's a classic for a reason, which means that companies mount productions of it all the time. So the question then, when the Rice Theatre Program decides to do a production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, is what are they going to bring to the already crowded table?

To start, director Amelia Fischer and co. have transported Shakespeare's classic comedy to 1840s Texas, an inspired choice that gives the production added depth and atmosphere. It also allows for a highlight of the production: the strong musical transitions, courtesy of Cody VanZant (Balthasar) on guitar, banjo, and harmonica. The set, designed by Juan Sebastian Cruz and Logan Crowl, is a lovely picture enhanced by costumes of warm colors, rich and deep, reds and navys from costume designer Heather Breijern.

Justin Bernard and Rachel Buissereth are well-matched as Benedick and Beatrice, two characters clearly in love - with the sound of their own voices. All productions of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING depend on the chemistry and ability of its Benedick and Beatrice, and both Bernard and Buissereth deliver snappy Shakespearean retorts and tackle lengthy monologues with ease. In particular, Bernard approaches Benedick with the perfect amount of elastic swagger, cocky with just enough vulnerability to keep Benedick from being insufferable, while Buissereth plays Beatrice with a playful sparkle in her eyes that keeps Beatrice from becoming, well, shrew-y.

Beatrice's cousin, the poor ingénue Hero, is sympathetic and sweet as played by Abby Sledge. As Claudio, Hero's love interest, Alan Kim plays dorky and earnest well (and is funny - especially in one scene where he seemingly channels his inner Keanu Reeves to impersonate Benedick).

Supporting our four couples is a strong cast. Cruz, pulling doubly duty as set designer and Don Pedro, is excellent as he tries to support his men. Sam Pearson (Leonato) shows off a great sense of timing, not to mention a Krasinski-like ability to react funny. Hannah Tyler (Antonia) is as noble and stately as she is imposing and threatening. Deep-voiced and intimidating, Chris Sanders is the embodiment of villain as "the Bastard Prince" Don John, and his lackeys Borachio and Conrade, as played by Rob Katz and Yena Han, are somehow both likable and unlikable. Sriparna Sen and Ashley Torres, as Margaret and Ursula, are able to make the most of limited stage time.

And finally, (arguably) the best part of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING (and I would certainly argue it) is Dogberry and his Watch. Let me say, Qingyang Peng knocks it out of the park. As Dogberry, Peng owns the second act. Over the top and very funny, his portrayal of the dimwitted sheriff is outstanding. In scenes, he's trailed by his Watch, the seemingly too smart to go along with this ridiculousness Seacole (played by Kevin Mullin, also Friar Francis) and the Gomer Pyle-esque Verges (played by Sean Doyle, also the Messenger).

I will note that despite the strength of some scenes in the second act, the play noticeably weakens when the actors are asked to get serious. This production is at it's best when it (and the actors) are playing up the banter and comedy which, luckily, they get to do throughout most of the show. The execution of two scenes in particular (Benedick "overhearing" the men discuss Beatrice's love for him and Dogberry's examination of Borachio and Conrade) make it well worth your trip inside the hedges.

Go see the Rice Theatre Program's production of William Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING before it's too late. The final performances will be October 8th, 9th, and 10th at 8:00 p.m. at Rice University's Hamman Hall. Tickets can be purchased at the door or by calling 713-348-4005. For more information, visit www.arts.rice.edu.

Photo Credit: Rice University Office of Public Affairs

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