By Jason and Alisha Hagey
Tooele Valley Theatre‘s Much Ado About Nothing (Much Ado) captivates audiences where humor, romance, and suspense intertwine effortlessly. Under Chad Henwood‘s (Director) amusing direction, this production breathes new life into one of William Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies, holding the audience spellbound from start to finish.
Set in Messina, Italy, Shakespeare’s Much Ado follows the romantic entanglements and comedic misunderstandings among two pairs of lovers. Claudio quickly falls for Hero, aided by Prince Don Pedro, while the witty Benedick and sharp-tongued Beatrice engage in a battle of wits that masks their hidden affections.
From the show’s beginning, Zel McAllister (Beatrice) commands the stage – they genuinely are a standout performer. McAllister and Megan Bishop (Benedick) exchange entertaining, witty banter, especially in the “merry war” of words, making their journey from sparring partners to lovers satisfying. The masquerade ball scene, filled with mistaken identities and playful exchanges, draws hearty laughter.
Koda Smith (Claudio) and Robyn Bailey (Hero) bring a tender sweetness to the roles of Claudio and Hero, gracefully navigating their love story amidst a web of deceit and misunderstandings. The dramatic wedding scene, where Claudio publicly denounces Hero, wrenches hearts. The intense confrontation between Blake Warner (Leonato) and Claudio reveals a profound depth of emotion and complexity in their characters, adding rich layers to the narrative.
With fun performances by Bridgett Long (Dogberry) and Ada Lauren Taylor (Verges), the ensemble cast infuses each scene with boundless energy and charm, ensuring every moment is a visual and emotional treat. Dogberry and Verge’s malapropisms and bumbling earnestness are comic highlights, bringing light-hearted relief to the play’s darker themes.
The surprises of the night are Nash Kenning (Don John) and Nolana Lord (Friar Francis). Each took roles that are often two dimensional and they layered nuance and subtext into these characters. They give honest portrayals and deliver their lines with frank sincerity.
The production team, including Katie Williams Fowler (Costume Designer), Collin Ray (Scenic Designer), and Maryn Ray (Prop Master), attend to details in set and costume design, transporting the audience to an amusingly anachronistic Renaissance Italy.
Henwood balances the play’s comedic and dramatic elements while bringing themes of honor, deception, and redemption to the forefront. The pacing is impeccable, maintaining a brisk tempo while allowing for reflective interludes, particularly during the play’s more somber moments. Often overlooked are smooth transitions. Henwood keeps the show moving forward and engaging by not having unnecessary space between scene to scene.
Tooele Valley Theatre’s rendition of Much Ado About Nothing is a joyful win. With a talented cast and delightful direction, this performance is a bright iteration of Shakespeare’s timeless brilliance and the enduring charm of his comedies. The enthusiastic response from the audience, punctuated by frequent laughter, testifies to the production’s success.
Tooele Valley Theatre Presents Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare
Tooele Valley Theatre: Tooele City Amphitheatre
4 Canyon Road, Tooele UT
July 11, 13, 17, 19, 25, 27, 31, August 2 at 7:00 PM
Ticket Cost: $14 – $17
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Directions to the Amphitheatre can be found here. The seating in the Amphitheatre is concrete- so please bring blankets, pillows, and stadium seats. There is limited seating on the top row reserved for those who need to sit in lawn chairs on a first come first serve basis. Please provide your own lawn chair if you plan on sitting on the top row. Remember to put on some bug spray! Please have your tickets printed or on your phone before arriving to the Amphitheatre. Concessions will be sold at the pavilion. This production ends after the sunset. When leaving the Amphitheatre it will be dark. Please bring a flashlight or have your phone light at the ready to make it to your car safely and please watch your step!
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