Shakespearean comedy opens Nov. 11

William Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” will open Wednesday, Nov. 11, in Westhoff Theatre at Illinois State University. Presented by the School of Theatre, there will be 7:30 p.m. performances Nov. 11 to 14 and a 2 p.m. matinee on Nov. 15.

Tickets, which are $8 for adults and $6 for students, are available at the Center for the Performing Arts box office from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays or by calling (309) 438-2535.

“Much Ado About Nothing” is a high-energy comedy that follows the travails of Beatrice and Benedick as they struggle to find and earn love. The play takes place as one pair of lovers, Hero and Claudio, plan their own wedding. To pass the time before their nuptials, they conspire to trick their friends into confessing their love for each other. In the era of courtly and idealized love, Beatrice and Benedick’s love-hate relationship presents a much more realistic picture of romance. The play contrasts the romantic, idealized love of Hero and Claudio with the tempestuous attraction between Beatrice and Benedick. Much of the humor in the play resides in the witty dialogue between the two headstrong lovers as they pursue their courtship of insults.

“Much Ado About Nothing” is directed by MFA directing student James Wagoner, with sets designed by Eric Maslow, lights by Merethe Grace-Elsie Maberg, costumes by Sandy Childers and sound by Alex Schmaus.

“The strength and passion of Beatrice really interests me,” Wagoner said. “She is witty, intelligent and resourceful, but bound by the rules of a male-dominated society. Her perfect match would recognize and appreciate all her qualities and give her the freedom to express them.

“Benedick is blocked by the role he has been cast in by Don Pedro, the part of the jester,” he said. “Benedick, awakened by Beatrice’s antagonism, desires for something more. The play is about how these two discover love as equals."

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