Stuart: Summer Shakespeare - "Much Ado About Nothing" at A.C.T. Studio Theatre

Summertime is Shakespeare time at A.C.T. Studio Theatre in Stuart, and this tale of love, intrigue, and mistaken identity fits the bill. William Shakespeares Much Ado About Nothing is generally considered one of his best comedies. It combines elements of robust hilarity, but certainly is not lacking in the signature elements one comes to expect from Shakespeares brilliant works. While the young lovers Hero and Claudio provide the main impetus for the plot, the courtship between the older, wiser lovers Beatrice and Benedick is what makes Much Ado About Nothing so memorable. Beatrice and Benedick argue with delightful wit, and Shakespeare develops their journey from antagonism to sincere love and affection with a rich sense of humor and compassion.Dennis ODonovan, director of the play, said, Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeares most-loved comedies, and it has been adapted to a wide range of settings. Ours is a fairly traditional staging of the play, relying mostly on the warmth and beauty of Shakespeares text. The story combines elements of romance, low comedy and villainy, but most of all honor: honor on the battlefield, honor between the sexes, even honor in the confession of a captured villain. With witty banter, warm affection among the characters and some of the funniest malapropisms youre likely to hear in the theatre, Much Ado About Nothing brings much delight to audiences.A.C.T.s 17-person cast takes the stage on Aug. 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14. Performances are Fridays at 8:00 p.m., Saturdays at 3:00 and 8:00 p.m., Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Reserved seating is $25. For tickets and information, please visit actstudiotheatre.com or call (772) 932-8880. A.C.T. Studio Theatre is located in the Cedar Pointe Plaza, 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart. Visit the website to view A.C.T.s full 2022-23 Season lineup. Discount packages are available by calling the box office.