Much Ado About Nothing: Shakespearean Comedy Re-Set in SoCal
The Attic Theatre and Film Center (5429 West Washington Bl. Los Angeles, CA 90016)
- Full Price:
- $20.00
- Our Price:
- FREE - $10.00*
Shakespeare's original battle of the sexes is transplanted from the lush Italian countryside to a lavish Malibu sundeck for this Attic Theatre production of one of the Bard's most popular comic stories. Beatrice and Benedick are a bickering pair who clearly belong together. So Beatrice's cousin Hero and her newly betrothed love Claudio conspire to trick the enemies into falling in love. Meanwhile, a plot is afoot to ruin Hero and Claudio's wedding, by the villainous Don John. Much Ado About Nothing stars Cody Roberts and April Grace Lowe as Beatrice and Benedick, who last appeared as the doomed lovers in the company's production of Romeo and Juliet .
* Additional fees apply.
All offers for Much Ado About Nothing have expired.
The last date listed for Much Ado About Nothing was Saturday February 25, 2012 / 8:00pm.
5429 West Washington Bl.
Los Angeles,
CA
90016
424-258-5752
Goldstar Member Tips
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Goldstar Member on What to Wear
Casual
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Goldstar Member on Where to Park
Street parking
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George C. on Where to Park
Free street parking at night
6 Goldstar Member Reviews
Linda
I've seen six productions of Much Ado, and I would rank this in the top two of that list (though the Beatrice and Benedick were hands down the best I've ever seen – they found a great balance in the love/hate dynamic, and really made the language feel fresh and vital).Written on Feb 11 2012
The modern influence was fun, with a few choice pop culture references (the party scene in particular has some fun with this... also the Top Gun influence for the soldiers).
I also liked that the play didn't go over the top with the comedy, so the dramatic scenes in the second half didn't feel out of place (speaking of which, the scene between Benedick and Beatrice after the wedding is a real stunner). Even the Dogberry scenes (which can sometimes be taken way over the top) were kept fairly realistic.
Apart from Beatrice and Benedick, I also really enjoyed Don Pedro and Leonato, both of whom had a graceful charm and charisma.
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George C.
There was lots to like about this production, but one problem I had with it that seriously interferred with my enjoyment was the persistent impression that some of the actors were "rattling off" lines in Shakespearean English that they really didn't understand. This lead to super fast recitations without any affect or emphasis. I'm sure these same actors would have done fine with contemporary dialog, so my suggestion would be that the director work with the actors to make sure they understand what point each speech is intended to make and to help them view the lines as actual dialog rather than arcane poetry.Written on Feb 13 2012
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Goldstar Member
This was a fantastic show! I went with my fiance this past weekend and we just had a blast. Both of us had been involved with productions of Much Ado previously, but our casts had nothing on this one. Beatrice and Benedick were the best. They're banter was hilarious and they're stage chemistry was palpable. That said, the whole cast was solid. They all had great comfort with the language such that it sounded very natural. If you like Shakespearean comedy, you must go to this play. If you don't, go anyway, it might change your mind.Written on Feb 20 2012
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A.M.M.
Really enjoyed this production. I brought my 13 year old son along who is currently in a drama club studying Shakespeare. I wanted him to see Shakespeare in action and this production of Much Ado turned out to be a perfect choice. Their contemporary treatment of the play made it really easy for him to relate to the characters. Actors playing Benedick and Beatrice were great -- esp. Benedick who was top-notch. Very entertaining -- I laughed, I cried. Theatre is small, (and a little hard to find from the street) but has a cozy, friendly feel to it. Would definitely go again.Written on Feb 06 2012
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More Information About Much Ado About Nothing
Website
Description
Sharp-witted Benedick and Beatrice can’t get within ten feet of each other without starting a fight. Naturally their friends decide to get them together. But as their merry trickery commences, a malcontent brother begins far more sinister machinations.
Set on a chic Malibu sundeck, the production gives a fresh spin to the buoyant comedic classic.
Cody Roberts and April Grace Lowe, seen at The Attic last May as the titular lovers in Romeo and Juliet, return as Beatrice and Benedick. Directed by Craig Jessen.
About the Ticket Supplier: Attic Theatre Ensemble
The Attic Theatre Conservatory, Inc. is a California non-profit corporation formed in 1995 to establish an ensemble acting company based on excellence, to help develop new plays and voices for the theatre, and use live theatre as an educational tool to develop new audiences.