By Eliza Een
The Grassroots Shakespeare Company (GSC) is back for their Valentine’s show, Much Ado About Nothing. The GSC is committed to performing Shakespeare while keeping the spirit of William Shakespeare’s productions: collaborative directing, casting, and minimal rehearsal time. Prior to opening night, this cast of eight talented actresses met for only 10 rehearsals (and their “unrooted” no-rehearsal performance on January 27th) to pull together this beloved comedy.
Much Ado About Nothing is a sassy and sweet story that holds up to any of your favorite rom-coms, with the iconic pairing of Beatrice (Autumn Bickmore) and Benedick (Kira Halterman). Bickmore’s Beatrice is confident and clever, delivering cutting jokes about her rival and speaking in circles around the other characters with ease as she glides through scenes on her scooter. Halterman matches wits and words, taking jabs with bravado, but I loved seeing those walls come down during Benedick’s monologues when true feelings begin to show. The connection between the two is electric, and energized by stellar supporting performances from the cast and band.
Our secondary couple balances out the fiery sparks with sweetness and innocence. Goldie Harrison (also Watchman) is a delight as Hero, whether in doe-eyed infatuation, conspiring deception, or heart-wrenching grief. Goldie Harrison dances gracefully through the demands of the character and shows that there are no small parts. November Hunt plays opposite Harrison as Claudio, a trusting friend and anxious lover. Hunt’s Claudio is charming and easily charmed, and they expertly tug at the audience’s heartstrings during the more emotional scenes.
Watching over these young lovers is Beth Moulton, with an eye that is quirky and caring (Leonato) or full of mischief (Don John). Beth Moulton excels at physical comedy in both of her roles and switches between the two seamlessly. We would be remiss to omit Craven P. Moulton, a statuesque feline friend who stands in for minor henchmen and is adored by the entire cast. Katherine Moulton’s Prince Don Pedro presides over the entire affair with the flippant authority of a frat boy. Her good humor and teasing of Halterman and Hunt show strong bonds of friendship and a protective nature.
Cilla Harrison balances the most roles of the show as Margaret, Borachio, and the Friar, a pairing that reminded me of the famous quote by Oscar Wilde, “To love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance.” I loved her (Borachio’s) imitations of Don John and portrayal of his repentance for playing the knave. No Shakespeare play is complete without its fool, and Eleila Bradford leans through the fourth wall in her portrayal of the verbose and erroneous Dogberry the nightwatchman.
As always, the action onstage is accompanied by the Grassroots Shakespeare Band, including Gary Argyle (guitar), Chase Schetselaar (viola), Alyssa Tanner Vaughn (sound effects), and Adrian Montclaire (mandolin). They add so much to the experience: playing up the jokes, responding to the mood shifts within the show, and even providing cover as certain characters unsuccessfully try to hide.
Much Ado About Nothing is one of my favorite Shakespeare plays, and the Grassroots Shakespeare Company made it an incredible experience. So join them for a night of romance, deception, and other shenanigans now through February 22 at the Hive Collective in Provo, UT!
The Grassroots Shakespeare Company Presents Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare
Hive Collaborative, 290 W 600 S, Provo, UT 84601
February 14–15, 17, 21, 22, 2025, 7:00 PM Pre-show, 7:30 PM Performance
Tickets: $20, or $10 for online stream, plus online fees
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