"Much Ado About Nothing, Shakespeare with a Mexican Twist" will run Nov. 13, 14, 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the Madison High School theatre. Tickets will be $8 at the door and $6 in advance. Tickets can be ordered at www.madisondrama.com ahead of time.
Drills screech, hammers pound, and in the background, girls practice twirling flowing skirts in an intricate Mexican dance. Is this some kind of crazy dream? No, it's an afternoon rehearsal for James Madison High School's production of Shakespeare's classic comedy, "Much Ado About Nothing."
"Much Ado About Nothing" is the story of Leonato, his daughter Hero, her cousin Beatrice, their suitors Claudio and Benedick, and the evil Don John. When the prince Don Pedro visits Leonato with two soldiers, Claudio and Benedick, and his illegitimate half-brother Don John, mayhem ensues. Claudio and Hero fall in love instantly, while Beatrice and Benedick each swear off love forever. Claudio and Hero try to make Beatrice and Benedick fall in love, while Don John tries to convince Claudio that Hero doesn't truly love him. What follows is a complicated stream of insults, plots, weddings, arrests and, of course, true love.
So what is so different about Madison's production? In the original play, the story takes place in the town of Messina in Italy. In Madison's production, the setting has been moved from 16th century Italy, to a small town in post-Mexican war Mexico, complete with Spanish dancing (choreographed by Junior Betsy Lewis), music and colorful costumes to set the mood. With a fantastic cast of over 30 talented actors Director Natalie Vandever has assembled a cast of new and familiar faces. Sara Kern and Sam Ludwig, veterans of Madison theatre, are joined by new comers who are excited to be a part of the department.
"Much Ado About Nothing" is Madison's Cappie show, meaning high school critics come from all over the Washington area to critique our show. Madison's production of Chicago won four Cappie awards last year, including Best Musical. Hoping to continue their winning streak, Madison is putting on the best show possible to impress these critics.
"Much Ado About Nothing" will run Nov. 13, 14, and 15 at 7 p.m. in the James Madison High School Theater. Tickets will be $6 in advance at www.madisondrama.com or for $8 at the door.
Will Shakespeare's comedy survive this drastic location change? Will Claudio, Hero, Beatrice and Benedick find true love? Will the evil Don John be brought to justice? Will this show be yet another Cappies success? Come join Madison drama and find out. Adios!