Review: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING at Gamut Theatre Group

But as the sun went down and the lights went up, all the distraction faded away. Gamut Theatre Group's Much Ado About Nothing, was a community event that shouldn't be missed.

The Shakespeare play about love, war and scheming bad guys was given a facelift by Gamut, set in post-WWI Little Italy in New York City. This was a well-suited match for a play that's so often given ill-fitting revamps.

The cast was full of hardworking local stars who have been with Gamut for several productions. Their portrayal of the well-known story was hilarious and daring. Risks that may have fallen flat were upheld by excellent staging by director David Ramón Zayas and a breathtaking set and lighting design by Andrew Nyberg and Tristan Stasiulis.

Little Italy was brought to life with bustling cobblestone streets, charming apartment buildings and clotheslines. The on-stage props and set meshed perfectly with the real-life mountain view behind it. The park-turned-theater worked like a time machine, and brought each audience member into the story as if they were watching the hijinks unfold from just up the hill.

Gamut's Much Ado About Nothing was a well-produced experience that celebrates what's at the heart of theater: community coming together through art. So grab some lawn chairs, pack some snacks, and settle in for a good time.

Much Ado About Nothing runs until June 15 in Reservoir Park. Learn more here.