In Boulder, a production of ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is pure delight

Under the stars at the Colorado Shakespeare Festival, director Kevin Rich dazzles with a new take on the popular comedy

For a most excellent summer evening of entertainment, try not to miss the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s exceptional version of Shakespeare’s archetypal romcom, Much Ado About Nothing.

The goings-on in this bulletproof comedy are set in 1920s Paris on the heels of World War I. The play begins in Messina, where Leonato (Brik Berkes) lives with his daughter, Hero (Shunté Lofton), and her cousin and companion, Lady Beatrice (Jessica Robblee). Leonato receives word that his friend, the Duke Don Pedro (Benjamin Reigel), has returned from war with his sour brother Don John (Susannah McLeod), eternal bachelor Benedick (K.P. Powell), and young military hero Claudio (Ryan Omar Stack). At this point, the antics begin with haste.

Claudio falls for Hero and, during Leonato’s masked ball, their nuptials are quickly arranged.

Meanwhile, the confirmed spinster Beatrice and the sworn-off-love bachelor Benedick have several show-stealing and witty arguments. Robblee and Powell are an absolute blast. Powell’s comic delivery, facial expressions, and overall ease complement Robblee’s compelling Beatrice, who plays the script like a virtuoso. They are ideal casting for the sparring, reluctant lovers. Although this play is four centuries old, they find new and hilarious ways to deliver lines.

These two aren’t the heart of the production, however. You’d still have a pretty good time if you took them out (well, maybe). This is in large part thanks to the casting of the other characters.

Until the wedding takes place, Don Pedro, Leonato, Claudio and Hero amuse themselves by tricking Beatrice and Benedick into falling in love with each other. Regal Reigel, commanding Berkes, and a love-sick Stack are exceptionally entertaining during these scenes as they attempt to dupe Benedict into believing that Beatrice is in love with him. Their delivery and stage presence are unmatched as Powell attempts to hide to eavesdrop on their gossip of her affections. The same can be said of Hero and Ursolo (Sam Sandoe). They gossip of Benedict’s affection for Beatrice so captivatingly that Beatrice, while also eavesdropping, ends up in the fountain just to hang on their every word.

But wait, there’s more. At the same time, Don Pedro’s bitter brother, Don John, maliciously plots with his buddies, Borachio (Douglas Fries) and Conrad (Jude Stivers), to deceive Claudio into believing Hero is a cheater. McLeod delivers a dour Don John, who is only happy when causing mischief. They use Hero’s waiting woman Margaret (Anastasia Davidson) as an oblivious pawn in the act that deceives Claudio into denouncing Hero at their wedding. Hero faints and is thought dead by all but Benedick, Beatrice, Leanoto, and friar Francis (Ellen McLaughlin). They circulate the news of Hero’s death at the urging of the friar in hopes that Claudio will regret what he’s done.

Enter, stage left, master constable Dogberry (Sean Scrutchins) and his ragtag band of untested officers – deputy Verges (Ellen McLaughlin) and first and second watch George Seacole (Anastasia Davidson) and Hugh Oatcake (Cameron Hazlip) respectively. This band of goofy and incompetent law enforcers manage to unwittingly unravel the plot and to somehow take an amused Borachio and morose Conrad into custody, saving the day. The performance of Scrutchins brings amusingly to mind Peter Sellers’ Inspector Clouseau of the Pink Panther films. Each scene that involves Scrutchins is a delight. And, in the end all is well. Hero marries Claudio, and Benedick and Beatrice reluctantly admit their love and also marry.

The set by Kevin Nelson is a wonder. Almost all the scenes take place on the beautiful, yet simple terrace of Leanoto’s home. Set pieces abound that fittingly add to the comedy of each scene. The costumes (Meghan Anderson Doyle) are utter eye candy and totally dialed up. The staff (and first and second watch) sport cute French Marinière shirts, the women wear colorful frocks, and the pastels of the men’s suits are dreamy, while the suits (and wonderful shoes!) are stylish and well done. There is much dancing of The Charleston by the actors and some even croon with a guitar.

This performance is a hoot. Each actor has amazing command of their centuries-old lines and delivers them with the charm and skill of seasoned comedic performers. Spending time with this performance, in this venue, is a pleasure.