Other Performances

I feel that when designing and producing a production, it is important to look at other performances and learn from their productions. Therefore, below I have provided a link to a youtube video of a performance in Vermont that was done with a minimalistic set and on a thrust stage. This video shows that you do not need an elaborate set to have a good production of this show. Also, the costumes in this particular production are simple. They reflect the time period of the piece, but they are not too elaborate. I feel that Much Ado About Nothing is better off with simple costumes because the characters themselves are really big and out there. They do not need crazy costumes to bring their personalities across to the audience. 


Performance

Characters

Benedick- Young Lord from Padua, falls in love with Beatrice
Beatrice- Niece of the governor of Messina, falls in love with Benedick
Leonato- Governor of Messina, father of Hero, uncle of Beatrice
Don Pedro- Prince of Arragon
Don John- Don Pedro's bastard brother
Claudio- Young Lord from Florence, wishes to marry Hero
Hero- Leonato's daughter, falls in love with Claudio
Margaret, Ursula- Hero's attendents
Antonio- Leonato's brother
Balthasar- Don Pedro's attendent
Conrade, Borachio- followers of Don John
Friar Francis- Priest who helps Hero regain her reputation
Dogberry- Constable of Messina
Verges- Headborough
Sexton
Boy
Other minor charcters



This production would be a large cast and would need a large set to accommodate everyone during the many scenes where the entire cast would be on stage. It would require costumes for every character, plus additional costumes for some of the principal characters. There are not many props needed for the show and the set could easily be done with only a few minor changes between scenes. This show clearly is reserved for a large theatre space that could hold a large cast and equally large stage. 

"Much Ado About Nothing." Free Study Guides for Shakespeare and Other Authors. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/xMuchAdo.html>.

The Play

Claudio, deceived by Don John, accuses Hero
Painting by: Marcus Stone, 1861

Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare's most well known comedies and was first printed and acted in 1600. The play takes place in Messina at a house owned by Leonato during which the prince and his companions come to visit. One of the young officers, Claudio, wishes to marry Hero, Leonato's daughter. However, Don Jon wishes to ruin the engagement celebrations and entices some of the men to spread a rumor that Hero was not an innocent virgin. Claudio falls for the lie and breaks the engagement. Hero is devastated and wishes to restore her honor and reclaim Claudio's love. A new scheme takes place in which Claudio is fooled into believing Hero has died from shame and he is convinced the only way to make up for the death of Hero is to marry her cousin. After a lavish burial ceremony Claudio is brought to the courtyard to be married. A veiled Hero is brought before Claudio and they are wed. Claudio is overjoyed to learn that Hero is not dead and is happy to learn of Don John's deceit, which cleared Hero's reputation. Also, during the course of the play, Claudio's companion Benedick and Hero's cousin Beatrice go from rivals who constantly tease and poke at each other, to realizing they have always loved each other and are wed as well.   


Much Ado About Nothing



"Characters In Much Ado About Nothing: Shakespeare Character List." Shakespeare Resources: Modern English Shakespeare Translations. Web. 24 Feb. 2011. <http://www.nosweatshakespeare.com/characters/much-ado-about-nothing.htm>.

"Much Ado About Nothing." TheatreHistory.com. Web. 23 Feb. 2011. <http://www.theatrehistory.com/british/muchado001.html>.