Waterwell Presents Middle School Production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, 5/27

Waterwell, one of the Village Voice's Best Arguments for Devised Theater (2010) and creators of Goodbar and #9, announced today the premiere of a new version of Much Ado About Nothing starring 11-13 year old actors from the Professional Performing Arts School (PPAS) in Manhattan. Adapted and directed by Casey McClellan and featuring sound design by M.L. Dogg (The Pee-wee Herman Show, Sons of the Prophet), this Much Ado takes place inside a surreally comic American high school. Performances will be Wednesday, May 25th through Friday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. at the Professional Performing Arts School (328 West 48th Street in NYC).

The Theatrical Arts Program at PPAS, in partnership with The Actors Institute and Waterwell, offers world-class instruction in acting, singing and dancing to exceptionally talented middle school students absolutely free of charge within a year-round public school curriculum. In addition to classes, students have the opportunity to work with professional directors and designers on full productions of both classical and contemporary plays, designed to address specific skills and expand their comfort zones.

The creative team for Much Ado also includes Jason Sherwood (Scenic Designer), Deanna R Frieman (Costume Designer) and Simon Cleveland (Lighting Designer). The cast of twelve is comprised entirely of middle school students at PPAS, including Gus Birney, Logan Riley Bruner, Mercy Carpenter, Vikki Eugenis, Alexandra Florides, Anastasia Krutchinsky, Clare Maceda, Meeb Ranghelli, Elysa Rivera, Siena Sherer, Emmet Solomon and Kyle Slater.

Performances at the PPAS Black Box are Wednesday May 25th through Friday, May 27th at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10 for PPAS students, $15 dollars for adults and can be purchased in advance at the PPAS Main Office (328 West 48th Street, 3rd floor). For more information, visit http://www.waterwell.org.