From left, Kari Ginsberg (Beatrice) and Brittany Martz (Hero) in NextStop Theatre's ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ by William Shakespeare. Photo by Traci J. Brooks
“Much Ado About Nothing” is considered one of Shakespeare's top comedies. It has mistaken identities, plenty of gossip, rumors of infidelity, along with deeper matters about honor. Along with a key perception that outward appearances says little about what is inside someone, ”Much Ado” is most of all a screwball battle of love, vanity and subversion. “Much Ado" is the upcoming production of Herndon's "Next Stop Theatre.
In “Much Ado” two central characters, Beatrice and Benedick, are locked in a battle of wits while sharing an apparent, mutual disdain for each other and love. Their best friends think the two could make a great match. Can Beatrice and Benedick be tricked into confessing their love for each other? As for others in this Shakespearian romp, what will happen to them? Is the altar in many futures? Will love prevail?
Abigail Isaac Fine will direct “Much Ado.” She previously directed NextStop’s 2013 production of “The 12 Dates of Christmas.”
“I wanted to direct a Shakespearean comedy because I find the comedies first pull the audience in with brilliant humor, then catch us by surprise with heart,” said Fine. When not directing, she is Director of Development, Fairfax Library Foundation.
“Much Ado About Nothing” is a fun battle of the sexes,” noted Fine. NextStop’s production will be set in an Italian coast resort. “We are faithful to the text. Shakespeare set this play in Messina, a coastal city in Sicily. The costumes and music will be inspired by the late 1950s/early 1960s because these characters are modern and classy.”
With an ensemble of a dozen actors, NextStop veteran Kari Ginsberg will perform the role of Beatrice. Ginsberg described her character as having “big, sweeping emotions. She is feisty and clever and smart. She matches wits with Benedick, her (begrudging) love interest, without missing a beat. But, Beatrice has been burned by love before, so she carefully guards her heart.”
Much Ado is the ultimate “will they/won't they’ love story,” noted Ginsberg. “This Winter I think we can all use a little laughter and love. Much Ado promises patrons to not disappoint.” Production director Fine added, “We want this play to make you laugh and warm you up. My hope is that the audience will want to jump into the world of the play and vacation with us.”
As Shakespeare wrote; “For man is a giddy thing, and this is my conclusion.”
Where and When
NextStop Theatre’s production of “Much Ado About Nothing” by William Shakespeare at 269 Sunset Park Drive, Sunset Business Park, Herndon. Performances Jan.19 to Feb. 12, 2017. Fridays at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 4 and Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Sundays, Jan. 22, Feb. 5 and Feb. 12 at 2 p.m., Jan.29 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets $35. Call Ovation Tickets at 866-811-4111, or visit www.nextstoptheatre.org