Spring has sprung and what better way to celebrate than by attending Cincinnati Shakespeare Company’s production of William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, Much Ado About Nothing. Thanks to the play’s director (Cincy Shakes’ royalty, Jeremy Dubin), this particular iteration of the tale of courtship, scandal, and love is fresh and energetic with an ensemble of gifted artists both on stage and off.
The Design and Production Team
It will never be difficult to give due credit to the designers who work tirelessly and expertly at CSC. Per usual, Scenic Designer Samantha Reno provides an aesthetically pleasing and very functional set. (No spoilers here, but Ms. Reno had her work cut out for her in the function these pieces would need to provide.) From a vat for grape-stomping which many of the actors navigate with utter dexterity to the beautiful and opulent double-doors at center stage to the bar replete with a variety of wine bottles, the scene is set and there is nothing dull about it. As is so often the case, Rainy Edwards’ costume designs complement the visuals perfectly as do properties designed by the ever-incredible Kara Eble Trusty. The attention to detail is unthinkable – especially when one realizes what a short turn-around the designers have. Bravx all-around!
The cast (and set) of Much Ado About Nothing presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company. Photo credit to Mikki Schaffner.
The Performing Artists
Three words: Kelly. Freaking. Mengelkoch. In case you missed it, Ms. Mengelkoch is an impressive performing artist with an equally impressive resume. However, it is safe to say that her turn as Beatrice will easily remain one of my personal favorites. Ms. Mengelkoch expertly embodies the humanity of a strong, secure woman and all the emotions–or masking of said emotions–that can bring. As Beatrice, she invokes her super-power of the ability to be the most relatable character on just about every stage she graces. The audience automatically has a fierce loyalty to champion any cause important to the characters she chooses and this is no exception. Simply put, Ms. Mengelkoch is a gracious and adept actor and does not disappoint.
In the role of Hero, dear Beatrice’s cousin, we are gifted with Hannah Gregory. The intoxicating aura Ms. Gregory brings to this show is impossible to ignore. I was so drawn in by her performance that I quite literally felt every bit of joy and every bit of despair Hero faces. (So yes: thank you for the cry, Hannah.) Possessing an easy chemistry with every performer in her character’s realm, Ms. Gregory offers a terribly impressive portrayal of Leonato’s (Barry Mulholland) only daughter.
In another performance of note, we must mention Billy Chace as Don Pedro. While there is certainly humour is just about every Much Ado character, Don Pedro is much more subtle and subdued (or in proper comedy terms a “straight man”). Not surprisingly, Mr. Chace masters this without issue. As a beloved Cincy Shakes veteran, there is no doubt he excels at comedy, but his talents are diverse and there is little he can not do.
Ensemble Cast
The ensemble includes solid performances by Geoffrey Warren Barnes II as Benedick, Beasley as Don John, Gina Cerimele-Mechley as Friar/Watch, Cary Davenport as Dogberry, Courtney Lucien as Balthasar/Verges, Katie Mitchell as Margaret, Jason Pavlovich as Conrad,
Patrick Earl Phillips as Borrachio, Ray K. Soeun as Claudio, and Mierka Girten as Sexton/Watch/Ursula.
The Sweet and Lowdown
While some notions of Shakespeare’s time are a thing of the past (or should be), most of his sentiments and lessons are timeless. The act of falling in love should be simple, but humans tend to overcomplicate it as we do many things. Are Beatrice and Benedick so afraid of rejection that they each spurn the other, all while concealing their growing affections? They do so by continuing to engage with the other in a way to seemingly get the other’s attention and change their minds, thus ensuring rejection won’t be an issue. But in the end, Much Ado About Nothing teaches us that in our most vulnerable moments we will find what we needed all along.
Tickets
Much Ado About Nothing presented by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company runs now through May 5th. Run time is 2.5 hours which includes one 15-minute intermission. Tickets can be purchased by visiting the CSC website.
