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The cast of Folger's Much Ado About Nothing.
The setting, while not really transforming this production of the classic tale of bickering lovers into something new, awards a carefree, colorful spirit to the proceedings. The closing wedding scene is visually brought to life with bright, feathered head pieces. Infectious music (overseen by Craig Wallace's master of ceremonies-like D.J.) punctuates scenes, and the atmosphere is festive and congenial – even when the play is at its darkest, as the young Hero is falsely accused of being unfaithful due to the comically sinister John the Bastard's machinations, there's still an undercurrent that everything's going to work out eventually.
With the D.C. setting at its centerpiece, this means some of the focus is taken off Much Ado's typical focal point – the romantic chemistry between rivals Beatrice and Benedick. Doulgas' version of events makes it plain from the start that these two are enamored with each other, which takes a little fire out of their sparring.
Still, Howard W. Overshown's Benedick, recast as a D.C. police officer, has a casual, sly appeal, with a touch of self-knowing humility thrown in. Leslie gives a particularly heartfelt treaty to him to convince him to defend her cousin's daughter – her anguish is extremely palpable. But overall, her Beatrice is no Shrew to be tamed; in fact, like the production, she has more of a happy go lucky quality than a strong steely facade.
The supporting casting here has some high points, from Alex Perez's bumbling Dogberry, always a crowd pleaser, to the intriguing choice of casting Borachio as a woman – Dionne Audain provides a complicated portrayal of what can be a throwaway character. The production, hardly the company's first in recent years, makes for a beguiling night of theater. But one can't ignore a nagging feeling that it fails to make the most of our original Hepburn and Tracy.
Much Ado About Nothing runs through Nov. 29 at the Folger. Tickets are available online.
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I was really hoping for something more bold than another comedy. I'm pretty much priced out of Washington Shakespeare shows. I also missed what I understand was an incredible Macbeth last year.
I know the comedies bring in the $$$ but I've seen so many productions of "Much Ado About Midsummer's Labours Lost" I could spit.
Prithee, gun owners aren't supposed to be that damn worldly - the only price increases you're allowed to bitch about are associated with the switch from lead to steel birdshot, not MACBETH!
A pox on you villain. When the eve draws nigh and the mournful bay of the Mendelson threatens, a good swig sack and the words of the Bard can sooth battered soul of this dezinen of East(ern market) Cheap.
S'blood! That he is old, the more the pity, his white hairs do witness it. But that he is, saving your reverence, a whoremaster, that I utterly deny. If Remy Martins and blunts be a fault, God help the wicked. If to be an old stinking hippy be a sin, then many an old Mount Rainier resident that I know is damned. If to be fat be to be hated, then Gold's Gym's lean kine are to be loved? No, my good lord, banish Gray, banish Graham, banish Cheh, but for sweet Phil Mendelson, kind Phil Mendelson, true Phil Mendelson, valiant Phil Mendelson, and therefore more valiant being, as he is, old Phil Mendelson, banish not him thy Barry’s company, Banish not him thy Barry’s company. Banish plump Phil, and banish all the world!
I do. I will.
I know thee not, old man.