The "Merry War" of the sexes erupts in Austin Shakespeare's production of Much Ado About Nothing, with the accompaniment of music & dance. Blending our best actors, comedy improvisers and Esther's Follies music man Steve Saugey, artistic director Ann Ciccolella brings a fresh perspective to this Shakespearean favorite, including parodies of pop songs on period instruments, composed by Saugey and sung by young jazz diva Kirsten Dorn (last seen in Words by Shakespeare, Music by Austin).

Playing the delightful lovers who love to fight, Beatrice and Benedick are Babs George, one of Austin's award-winning leading ladies (Les Liaisons Dangereuses), and, from the Actors of the London Stage, Matthew Radford. The comic constable Dogberry will be played by National Improvisation Theater's hilarious Les McGehee (Plays Well With Others). Dance segments choreographed by Clare Croft will reflect the blend of contemporary and period music with a "jiggy" touch on Renaissance movement. Sumptuous costumes designed by Margaret Mitchell blend modern modern materials and flowery fabrics with designs that reference a fantastic fairy tale period.

Shakespeare Under the Stars 2008
Much Ado About Nothing
At the Sheffield Hillside Theater in Zilker Park.
Thursdays through Sundays, May 1-25, at 8:00 pm.
Opening Night May 3rd
Mother's Day Matinee, May 11th at 2:00 pm (no evening performance)
FREE

Links