MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING to Play MCCC's Kelsey Theatre, 6/13-22

Combining moments of hilarity with serious meditations on love and truth, Shakespeare '70 will perform "Much Ado About Nothing" at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre. Dates and show times for this popular Shakespearean comedy are: Fridays, June 13 and June 20 at 8 p.m.; Saturdays, June 14 and June 21 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, June 15 and 22 at 2 p.m. A reception with the cast and crew will follow the opening night performance on June 13. Kelsey Theatre is located on the college's West Windsor campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road

Set on the beautiful Italian island of Sicily, Shakespeare '70 has fast forwarded the production to 1870, as Italy is becoming a unified country for the first time. According to the show's assistant director, Janet Quartarone, the time period is the perfect backdrop for a story of men returning home from battle, a sweet, young couple thoroughly in love, and the reunion of another couple, Beatrice and Benedick, who would rather exchange scorching insults than sweet nothings. They'd have their freiendsbelieve they'll never marry -- but their friends think differently and plot to bring the two together. A villain with mischief on his mind, some lovely music set to Shakespeare's words, and the physical comedy of the local constables add to this rich story.

The cast stars Jamie Bradley of Quakertown, Pa., as Antonio; Ray Fallon of Westmont as Benedick; Curt Foxworth of Hightstown as Don John; Paige Matt of Middlesex as Hero; Dale Simon of Flemington as Leonato; Sarah Stryker of Lawrence as Beatrice; Andrew Timmes of Lawrenceville as Balthasar; Garrett Verdone of Westfield as Claudio; and Aaron Wexler of Philadelphia, Pa., as Don Pedro.

Also featured are Ernie Albanesius of Chesterfield as a watchman; Dan Altobelli of Mount Holly as a watchman; Fred Bartlett of Ewing as Sexton; Jim Bloss of Lawrenceville as Verges; Anthony Coppola of Morganville as a watchman; Tristan Curbishley of Lawrenceville as a boy; John Eldis of Absecon as Dogberry; Vianna Fagel of Lawrenceville as Ursula; Dan Keyser of Morristown as Friar Francis; Michael Krahel of Hillsborough as Conrade; and Morgan Petronis of Ewing as Margaret.

The production team includes John F. Erath, Ph.D., director/producer; Janet Quartarone, assistant director; Lili Daniel, stage manager; and Chelsea Daniel and Stephanie Schoppe, assistant stage managers.

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $14 for students and children. Tickets are available online at www.kelseytheatre.net or by calling the Kelsey Theatre Box Office at 609-570-3333. Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking available next to the theater.

Pictured: Sarah Stryker of Lawrence, NJ, stars as Beatrice in Shakespeare '70's "Much Ado About Nothing," coming to MCCC's Kelsey Theatre June 13 to 22.