William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” at The Carsen Theater, Dairy Arts Center

The Upstart Crow Theatre Company opens its 46th season with Much Ado About Nothing. Sparring couple Beatrice and Benedick, and pompous constable Dogberry enliven Shakespeare’s popular comedy about the risks of love and forgiveness.

When Beatrice and Benedict believe the lies their friends tell in a light-hearted plot to bring them together, the results are humorous. But when Claudio believes lies about his sweetheart Hero, the play takes a more serious turn: a young woman’s reputation is on the line and friendships may be strained to the duelling-point.

Hero’s father must choose between his family and his political ambitions. Benedick is torn between love and friendship. Dogberry wants the world to know he’s been insulted.

The play shows the courage it takes to fall in love, as the characters journey from deflection to vulnerability.

Much Ado About Nothing plays August 27-31 and September 3-6 in the Carsen Theater, Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St., Boulder, CO. Thursday through Saturday performances are 7:00pm, Sunday matinees are 2:00pm. Monday, August 31 is a 7:00pm industry night performance benefitting the Denver Actors Fund.

August 27, 31, and September 3 performances are Name-Your-Price Night.