Much Ado About Nothing, William Shakespeare's comedy of bickering lovers and dastardly deeds, will be presented by Fresno Pacific University March 22-24.
The play addresses themes as classic and contemporary as love, status, sex and the ways we judge one another. The perception of truth is constantly called into question as characters navigate a plot of mistaken ideas and their resulting conflicts. Deception, masquerade, mishap, intrigue and celebration swing the mood from light to dark and back again. In a new twist, the cast portrays players in "The King's Company," a national repertory theater on tour. After complaining of a broken down bus and too many days on the road, then arguing about where they are and what play they are to perform, members conclude the whole thing is much ado about nothing, and the show is on.
Cast members include Megan Steinert, Bakersfield, as Beatrice; Allen Schwamb, Selma as Benedick; Don Sparks, university faculty, as Leonato; and Hanna Nielsen, Kingsburg, as Dogberry. Calvin Hoff is guest director.
Showtime each evening is 7:30 p.m. in the new Elizabeth Terronez Middle School auditorium at Church and Willow. Admission is $6 for general audiences, $4 for students and senior citizens and $3 for FPU students, staff and faculty. For more information, contact Billie Jean Wiebe, English faculty, at 453-5554.