“Sigh no more, ladies, sigh no more,” for Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival’s Much Ado about Nothing is sure to turn those sighs into uproarious laughter. The production, directed by May Adrales, is set in 1950s America, and magnifies the exploration of gender and power in the play. Don Pedro woos the Duke’s daughter, Hero, on behalf of one of his soldiers, Claudio. Another of his soldiers, Benedick, swears off marriage and courtship. Hero’s cousin Beatrice also derides the practices, and is engaged in a battle of wits with Benedick. Friends of the two plot to get them to fall for each other. On the sidelines, Don Pedro’s brother, Don John, schemes something much more sinister and convinces Claudio that Hero has been unfaithful.
It’s one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies for good reason. Much Ado is full of twists and turns, and this cast handles them masterfully. Charlie Semine plays Benedick with a stunning mix of warmth and cynicism. His soliloquies feel like a rapport with the audience, somehow a two way conversation with only one party speaking. Tina Chillip plays Beatrice beautifully, with clear love and care for her cousin and the women around her. Her more discerning attitude towards men makes it even more impactful when she allows Benedick to get close to her, and trusts him with her feelings.
Kurt Rhoads as Dogberry leads the bumbling but wildly important crew of night-watchmen who get Borachio (Timiki Salinas) to confess Don John’s (Stephen Michael Spencer) deceit against Claudio and Hero (José Gamo and Alexandra Templer). The whirlwind of events in act five are spun together beautifully by the amazing cast. The physical comedy throughout the show will have you rolling with laughter, and the sincerity of the darker moments will pull at your heartstrings whether you’ve seen the show once or a hundred times.
Final Performances are August 4, 9, 12, 16, 20, 22, 24, 28 & 31. Tickets can be purchased online at www.hvshakespeare.org for MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, CYRANO, and INTO THE WOODS. Unfortunately, the amazing CYMBELINE ended its run on July 27.
1601 Route NY-9D
Garrison, NY 10524