| Show | Much Ado About Nothing |
| Company | Studio Theatre of Long Island |
| Director | Samantha Everett |
| Notes | No conflicts accepted for rehearsals week of 7/7 and performances. |
| Instructions | Readings will be from sides at audition. |
| Rehearsal Dates | Begin O/A 5/27. Weekday evenings 7-10 as called. |
| Performance Dates | July 16 at Long Island Maritime Museum, W. Sayville / 6pm August 5 at Bay Shore Band Shell, Bay Shore / 6pm August 16 at Brookside Park, W. Sayville / 2pm August 24 at Bayard Cutting Arboretum, Great River / 2pm *Schedule subject to change |
| Questions | Send Mail |
| Show Info | Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare thought to have been written in 1598 and 1599. The play was included in the First Folio, published in 1623. The play is set in Messina and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge when a group of soldiers arrive in the town. The first, between Claudio and Hero, is nearly scuppered by the accusations of the villain, Don John. The second, between Claudio's friend Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play continues, with both characters' wit and banter providing much of the humour. Through "noting" (sounding like "nothing" and meaning gossip, rumour, overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other, and Claudio is tricked into believing that Hero is not a maiden (virgin). The title's play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play's comedy, intrigue, and action. Shakespeare in the Park is made possible through a grant from the Suffolk County Office of Cultural Affairs. |
| Type | Location | Date | Time |
| Open | Manes Studio Theatre 141 S. Wellwood Ave. Lindenhurst | May 13 | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
| Open | Manes Studio Theatre 141 S. Wellwood Ave. Lindenhurst | May 15 | 7:30 PM - 9:00 PM |
Roles
| Role | M/F | Age | Description | Beatrice | F | 20-39 | A pleasant spirited lady with a very sharp tongue, Continually mocks others with jokes and puns. Often wins her battles. | Benedick | M | 25-39 | An aristocratic soldier. He is witty and always making jokes. Carries on a merry war of wits with Beatrice. Sworn at first to not love or marry. | Claudio | M | 18-29 | A young soldier who has won great acclaim during recent wars. | Hero | F | 18-29 | A beautiful young girl. She is lovely, gentle and kind. | Don Pedro | M | 35-49 | An important nobleman. He is close to the soldiers under his command; both Benedick and Claudio. | Leonato | M/F | 50-69 | A well respected elderly noble at whose home the action takes place. | Don John | M | 18-30 | The melancholy illegitimate brother of Don Pedro who is sullen by nature and creates a dark scheme to ruin others happiness. The villain of the piece. | Dogberry | M/F | The constable of the Watch -- chief police officer. A sincere person who takes their job seriously who uses the wrong words to convey its meaning. |