Great Lakes Theater’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is a joyful laugh fest

On May 15, 1833, Edmund Kean (who was regarded as the greatest English actor of his time) was on his deathbed. His alleged last words were, “Dying is easy...Comedy is hard.” No truer words were ever spoken. Comedy relies on impeccable timing, sharp wit and most important...broad farce. The Great Lakes Theater production of “Much Ado About Nothing” is nothing short of comedic brilliance.

If one were to look at the chronological order of the Bard’s works you would find that interspersed among his tragedy and historical masterpieces are works of comedy that 500 years later still fill the theater with loud laughter. This shows the range of talent that this playwright possessed. With the Great Lakes Theater work it is a combination of extraordinary acting and comedic skills combined with superb directing by GLT’s Producing Artistic Director, Charles Fee.

Word comes to the city of Messina that the Prince of Aragon, Don Pedro (Lynn Robert Berg) will be returning that night from a successful battle along with Count Claudio (Domonique Champion) and Signior Benedick (Jeffrey C. Hawkins).

Upon hearing of Benedick’s return, Beatrice (Laura Welsh Berg) resumes her “merry war” against the confirmed bachelor mocking him for his ineptitude as a soldier. Upon his return he gives back to her insults with his own barrage against the unmarried and orphaned spinster.

The Governor of Messina, Leonato (David Anthony Smith) invites Don Pedro to stay the month. At this time Pedro’s illegitimate brother, Don Juan (Nick Steen) is introduced. Claudio’s strong feelings of love for Hero, Leonato’s daughter, (Kailey Boyle) is rekindled but when he attempts to inform Benedick of his intentions his friend tries to dissuade him saying how he openly despises the institute of marriage. Don Pedro on the other hand encourages the courtship while Benedick swears never to marry.

At the celebration of a masquerade ball, Don Juan (who is jealous of Claudio) attempts to sow seeds of discontent between the two love birds. The misunderstanding is resolved and Claudio is promised Hero’s hand in marriage.

During the ball Benedick and Beatrice manage to dance together as they trade barbs of “the prince’s jester” and “Lady Tongue” as Don Pedro and his men plot to have the two adversaries actually fall in love with each other. Their scheme is to have Benedick overhear them telling how Beatrice is madly in love with him but afraid to admit it. The female counterparts work the same deception on Beatrice and the two now think that there is unrequited love waiting for them.

As this is unfolding, Don Juan plots to stop the wedding between Claudio and Hero by staging a fake tryst using Hero’s chambermaid and his associate Borachio (James Alexander Rankin). This bit of malicious fakery is enough to dupe both Claudio and Don Pedro and Claudio plans to publicly humiliate Hero at the marriage ceremony.

The next day Claudio denounces Hero and storms off with Don Pedro. Leonato rages against his daughter wishing that she would die. Luckily a cooler head prevails as the friar Antonio (Aled Davies), believing that Hero is innocent, convinces the family to fake Hero’s death in order to inspire Claudio to come to his senses.

Beatrice tries to talk her beau Benedick to kill Claudio in order to prove his love for her. At first Benedick falters but then agrees and seeks to find Claudio. Unknown to all the local watch had overheard Borachio and his partner in crime Conrade (Jerrell Williams) discussing the plot. The two miscreants are arrested.

With all comedies you need straight men and women. David Anthony Smith (Leonato), Aled Davies (Antonio), Lynn Robert Berg (Don Pedro) counterbalance the levity provided by Jeffrey C. Hawkins (Benedick), Laura Welsh Berg (Beatrice), Joe Wegner (Dogberry), M. A. Taylor (Verges) and Kailey Boyle (Hero).

Scene after scene of great hilarity unfold as verbal arrows are shot, “secret conversations” are unwittingly overheard from “hidden” spots and the comedy duo of Dogberry and Verges preform their shtick. In one short scene Benedick is seen trying to pour wine after lathering himself with sun tan oil. Later he attempts to hide in the open as he listens in to his friends telling of Beatrice’s love for him. The same is the antics of Beatrice as she tries to hide while still listening to her counterparts tell the same tale of love in regards to Benedick only to get soaked by a garden hose as she “hides” behind a rose trellis. This is a show that is rife with over acting, prat falls, and delightful physical comedy. In short it is laugh out loud funny and comedy played to the hilt. Kudos to Charles Fee for allowing his actors to find their wild sides.

On the technical side the brilliant set designed by Jeff Herrmann with its revolving center building gives plenty of room for the cast to work their comedic magic. Rick Martin gives a bright and airy feel with his lighting design and Mathew Webb’s choice of 20s inspired music helps set a jovial mood. Lastly, the costume design by Alex Jaegers covers a wide swath from period military uniforms to suits and dresses of the roaring 20s keeping within the theme of this production.

Combining the masterful directing of Charles Fee with the outstanding talent of a superb cast and the comedic timing of Shakespeare you have in essence theatrical heaven. This is the feel good comedy of the season and you need to definitely go and see it.

The Great Lakes Theater production of “Much Ado About Nothing” will be on stage in the Hanna Theatre at Playhouse Square through April 10, 2022. For more information and tickets go to https://www.greatlakestheater.org/shows-events/shows/2021-22/much-ado-about-nothing or call (216) 241-6000.