DePaul Univ's Theatre School Showcase Presents MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

The Theatre School Showcase of Contemporary Plays and Classics Presents: MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING directed by Catherine Weidner Shakespeare's classic tale of love and mistaken identity

The Theatre School at DePaul University's Showcase Series of Contemporary Plays and Classics presents William Shakespeare's MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING directed by Catherine Weidner. This comedic tale of love and trickery opens Friday, February 4, and runs through Sunday, February 13, 2011 at DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2 PM. Previews are on February 2 and 3 at 7:30 PM.

It's summer in Italy, and the spirit of mischief runs amok in this quick-witted comedy of mistaken identities. On the eve of Hero's wedding to Claudio, the feisty Beatrice and the sworn-bachelor Benedick are tricked into falling in love. When an evil plot is hatched to disgrace them all, it takes a bumbling constable and his humble assistant to save the day.

This production of Shakespeare's celebrated comedy features members of DePaul School of Music's Classical Guitar Ensemble.

Tickets are $15. Subscriptions and group rates (6 or more people) are available at (312)-922-0999. Seniors (over 60), DePaul employees and alumni, and college students receive a discount (with ID). Previews are FREE for any college student (with ID). Tickets are available by calling
the Box Office at (312) 922-1999.

DePaul's historic Merle Reskin Theatre is located at 60 E. Balbo Drive at Michigan, Chicago. There are several parking lots near the theatre, and the theatre is also accessible via numerous CTA bus and train routes. Please call the Box Office for more information, directions, and suggestions to help plan your trip.

Catherine Weidner (Director) In the summer of 2008, Catherine directed THE TAMING OF THE SHREW and TITUS ANDRONICUS for the Illinois Shakespeare Festival. Catherine Weidner was the Program Director of The Shakespeare Theatre Company Academy for Classical Acting at George
Washington University. Prior to that, she was head of the theatre program for five years at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. She recently appeared in A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE with Patricia Clarkson at The Kennedy Center, appeared as Susan Johnston in THE HEIDI CHRONICLES at Arena Stage, appeared in Mary Stuart and BLITHE SPIRIT at CenterStage
in Baltimore. and has worked at The Guthrie Theater, Theatre de la Jeune Lune, the La Jolla Playhouse and Bread & Puppet. In New York, she has directed and performed at Soho Rep and New Dramatists. Her directing experience includes: RICHARD III, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, MEASURE FOR MEASURE, WAITING FOR GODOT, CALIGULA, OTHERWISE ENGAGED, ANIMAL FARM,
RECKLESS, CLOUD 9, THE VISIT and UBU. She also taught public speaking for the Smithsonian Associates program. She holds a BFA in Acting from Ithaca College and an MFA in Directing from the University of Minnesota, and she has trained at The Second City in Chicago and The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York.

The cast of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING features Jacob Abbas (Borachio), Camden Brown (Dogberry), GEmma Clarke (Hero), Celeste M. Cooper (Ursula/ Sexton), Brian Crawford (Leonato), David Daniels (Benedick), James Gasber (Claudio), Brittani Green (Beatrice), Kaitlyn Griggs (Mother Frances / Eugenie Oatcake), Alex Hardaway (Balthasar), Max Koch (Antonio/ George Seacoal), Michael McKeogh (Don Pedro), Leah Raidt (Margaret), Colin Sphar (Don John), and Margaret Tonra (Verges).

The production staff includes Catherine Weidner (Director), Jake Kvanbeck (Lighting Design), Toni Kendrick (Scenic Design), Tiffany Wilson (Dramaturg), Carmen Briwa (Costume Design), Jeff Gary (Sound Design), and Brent Beavers (Stage Management).

SPECIAL EVENTS: An Opening Night Party will be held after the performance on February 4. United Service Organizations Night is February 5, U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families can attend for free. A post-show discussion with the cast and members of the production staff will be held on Sunday, February 6. On DePaul Night, February 9, tickets are $3 for all students and $6 for DePaul alumni and employees with valid ID. February 11 is Greater Chicago Food Depository
Night; patrons will receive $5 tickets for brining 2 or more non-perishable goods to the theatre. The performance on Sunday, February 13 (2 PM) will be interpreted in American Sign Language. TYY call (773) 325-7975. For details, photos, or more information visit http://theatreschool.depaul.edu or call (773) 325-7819.

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