Rice University Theatre to Present MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Rice University will present Much Ado About Nothing: a romantic romp set in early Texas and filled with dashing cavalry, comedic cowboys, and women who "speak poniards, and every word stabs."

Much Ado About Nothing offers a tale of two courtships: Benedick and Beatrice lead the audience in a whirlwind of wit and pride, while Claudio and Hero dazzle you in their innocent romance. Do not let the title fool you, for this comedy is filled with gossip, masquerade, a dastardly villain, honor, desire, and passionate love. Shakespeare journeys to 1840s Texas in this stylized depiction of a classic story full of love and laughter.

Amelia Fischer will be the guest director of this show. "Born in a trunk", Fischer has spent her entire life in the theatre world. As an actor, she has held a large number of leading roles in the Houston Shakespeare Festival and at a variety of regional theaters including Houston's own Classical Theatre Company. She has taught at theatres such as the Tennessee Shakespeare Company and the Alley Theatre. Fischer's most recent accomplishments include voice acting as the role "Jibril" in the anime No Game No Life and acting as "Helen" in the production of The Speckled Band: An Adventure of Sherlock Holmes where she also served as fight director.

Rice undergraduate students Logan Crowl ('16) and Juan Cruz ('16) will be the set designers for this show. Both students have been involved in a number of college productions both on and offstage, and they are excited about their set design debut. Crowl and Cuz will be working under the mentorship of Mark Krouskop. Rice Theatre's newest faculty member, Heather Breikjern, will also be assisting with this show. Breikjern was recently Assistant Costume Shop Manager at the Alley Theatre and has also taught at Santa Fe Opera, Goodspeed Musical Theatre and North Carolina School of the Arts.

Performances will be held October 2nd and 3rd at 8:00 pm, October 4th at 3:00 pm, and October 8th through 10th at 8 pm. Tickets: Students $5, Rice Alumni, Faculty, Staff & Senior Citizens $8, General Admission $10, and Groups of 10+ $5. Performances are at Hamman Hall. Tickets are available in advance by calling 713-348-4005. For more information on the performances, or to inquire about group rates, please visit http://www.arts.rice.edu. For parking information, please visit parking.rice.edu.