BWW Reviews: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at STNJ is Magical for the Holidays

"Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps."

-William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing by William Shakespeare is now being performed at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) through December 28th. Metropolitan area audiences should not miss the chance to see this classic, just right for the holidays. Bravo to the final show of the theatre's 2014 season.

Directed by Scott Wentworth, the play has a 1940's setting complete with dress of the day and the just the right musical touches. There are festive moments that cleverly embed holiday elements like tree decorating and a dance number with the men wearing Santa's hats. The staging is refreshing and especially satisfying. Kudos to Wentworth who also plays one of the starring roles, Benedick.

Much Ado About Nothing was believed to be written by Shakespeare between 1598 and 1600 in the middle of his prolific career. It is considered by many one of his best comedies. While humorous, it also combines elements of honor, shame and the court politics of the day.

Yet, love takes center stage. The romance between Claudio (Charles Pasternak) and Hero (Susan Maris) encounters real trouble when Hero is publicly accused of infidelity at the couple's wedding. Both Pasternak and Maris capture the passion and drama that their roles demand.

And there is ongoing saga of the very spirited Beatrice (Marion Adler) who is wooed by the resolute bachelor, Benedick (Scott Wentworth). The onstage chemistry is charming between this real life husband and wife team.

Raphael Nash Thompson delivers an incredible performance as the nobleman, Leonato who is also Hero's father and Beatrice's uncle. His versatility as an actor is well realized in this role.

The stellar cast of Much Ado About Nothing also includes a number of company members who are returning to the STNJ stage: Michael Stewart Allen as Don John, Jeffrey M. Bender as Dogberry, John Hickok as Don Pedro, Conan McCarty as Verges and Andy Paterson as Father Francis.

Once again, STNJ has assembled a talented creative team to give Much Ado About Nothing a vibrant life on stage with scenic design by Michael Ganio, costume design by Candida Nichols, lighting design by Peter West, sound design by Steven L. Beckel, with Peter Foley as the composer and Daphne Cunliffe as the dance consultant. And Denise Cardarelli is the show's Production Stage Manager.

Much Ado About Nothing is such an entrancing production that the running time of two hours flies by. Gather your group and celebrate your holidays with The Shakespeare Theater of New Jersey's last show of the season on stage through December 28th. To purchase tickets, call (973) 408-4600, visit their box office at the F.M Kirby Theatre or go online at www.shakespearenj.org.

Photo Credit: Jerry Dalia

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