A fresh, modern ‘Much Ado’

By Thom DeMartino
Orange County Tribune

There are fewer things more destructive than gossip on the wrong person’s lips.
Golden West College and director Martie Ramm are now presenting a limited staging of the classic Shakespearian comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing” at the campus’s Mainstage Theater.

  Having emerged victorious from a recent battle, Don Pedro (Andrew Tyrell-Smith), Count Claudio (Benjamin Rasmussen) and their comrade Signore Benedick (Salvatore Messina) arrive at the Governor’s villa in Messina, Sicily. The estate is home to the governor, Leonato (Brendan Beach) and his daughter Hero (Catherine Dosier), as well as his niece, the sharp-tongued Beatrice (Kristin Nemecek) … and who is constantly getting under the skin of Benedick (and vice versa.)

As the soldiers are introduced to the Governor’s family, Don Pedro introduces his half-brother Don John (Jonathan West), a self-described villain and agent provocateur. Meanwhile, Claudio finds himself instantly smitten by the lovely Hero, and sets his mind to court her – while his good friend Benedick is determined that fate will never befall himself, as he is no fan of matrimony.

Yet, it’s not long before Don Pedro and Claudio conspire to matchmake for Benedick, looking to pair the confirmed bachelor with none other than the fiery Beatrice. However, at the same time Don John is looking to sabotage the budding relationship between Claudio and Hero, to sow discord and take revenge and shame his brother and Leonato.

Which will prevail, love or treachery?

  The thing that frequently can stymie new viewers to the works of Shakespeare is the nearly 500-year-old language: but it’s the performance of the players that makes the Bard’s words more easily comprehended. This cast is a monumental example of that – bringing to life that brilliant storytelling throughout the show, and delighting the viewer with the variety of antics of the various players. It’s a production that doesn’t pause for an intermission, nor does it need it: with the marvelous, mesmerizing work of the cast, it’s a show that absolutely flies by.

There are a plethora of excellent supporting performances throughout, (West’s leisurely and menacing Don John, Ian Pedersen’s irascible constable Dogberry, Syrhaan Albuquerque’s unrepentant Borachio), but it’s the main players who truly shine.

Beach’s Leonato has great gravitas to him, Dosier’s Hero is elegant and engaging, Tyrell-Smith’s buoyant Don Pedro shines, and Rasmussen’s Claudio is eager and charming (at least until an untruth is whispered in his ear.)

But it’s the dynamic between Messina’s colorful Benedick and Nemecek’s brassy Beatrice that really leaves the audience enraptured. His is a cheery, sharp-witted demeanor – with just a touch of vulnerability – that can’t help but meet its match in the cunning, strong-minded young woman. The pair play off each other brilliantly, the back-and-forth interplay enrapturing the viewer.

A classic comedic work that’s as apt today as it was centuries ago, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a brilliant interpretation in a modern setting, with uproarious performances and a remarkably fast pace, that is truly a delight for viewers to experience. And with only three shows left, you’re going to want to check it out before it’s history.

“Much Ado About Nothing.” Kristin Nemecek, Salvatore Messina and Benjamin Rasmussen star in this hilarious tale of budding relationships and those who would thwart them. Now playing through November 23 at the Golden West College Mainstage Theater, 15751 Gothard St., Huntington Beach, CA 92647. Tickets available through the box office at 714-895-8150, x1 or at http://www.gwctheater.com.