Much Ado About Nothing

Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, June/July 2022 at Global Campus Theater in Fayetteville, AR and Bridges/Larson Theater in Conway, AR

Directed by Stacy Pendergraft | Choreographed by Katie Greer | Music by Chad Bradford Costume Design by Callie Lythgoe | Scenic Design by Morgan McInnis | Lighting Design by Zack McJunkins | Sound Design by Baaqir Salaam | Video by Chad Bradford

Much Ado About Nothing is a delightful Shakespearian romance in which the stars align on the island of Messina for two people who can’t stand each other to fall magically in love. This romantic oasis is perfectly suited to the real Messina, which due to its central Mediterranean location, has been a cultural crossroads for all of history. This production made Leonato’s house a place of relaxation and rest, where women are comfortable and hold power over their own stories. When the mischievous and mostly good hearted men of Don Pedro arrive (in uniforms inspired by Spanish Legionnaires), games of love and deception abound. I wanted to fill this world with vibrant colors and prints that brought liveliness and whimsy to its inhabitants. It was important to me that every actor felt beautiful and confident and could perform their roles from a place of empowerment and comfort.