The Bard, Caribbean style: 'Much Ado About Nothing' a triumph
By: Nancy Dunham
Special to The Examiner
October 30, 2009
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If you go'Much Ado About Nothing'
Where: Folger Elizabethan Theatre, 201 East Capitol St. SE, Washington
When: Through Nov. 29
Info: $39 to $60; 202-544-7077; folger.edu/theatre
It's a fair bet that when William Shakespeare penned "Much Ado About Nothing," he never imagined a latter-day rendition would have a Caribbean/D.C. theme.
Yet once audiences watch such a production presented at Folger Theatre, it might be difficult to imagine it any other way.
What an understatement to say that the classic and much-loved play is a triumph in the hands of the Folger's Artistic Producer Janet Alexander Griffin, Director Timothy Douglas, and the many others -- particularly the cast -- involved in this production.
That's not to say that those settling into the seats of the theater might be a bit disconcerted at the brightly decorated set replete with colored lights, a metal palm tree that glows with tiny lights, a DJ set above the stage, and two metal lawn chairs. Add to that background sound of emergency vehicles' sirens and you understand the confusion.
But once the play begins and the audience is introduced to the modern-day interpretations of Claudio, Beatrice, Benedict, Hero, and the other familiar and well-loved characters, the audience mentally settles into the set and sounds as easily as easily as they might physically relax on a well-worn couch.
The Folger wisely chooses to use much of Shakespeare's original dialogue in telling the story of love, loss and the battle of the sexes. Dressing the character in contemporary garb -- snug-fitting jeans, silky tunics, and even standard police officers' uniforms -- only underscores that this is a story for the ages. Venus and Mars battled it out back in the day, fight it out now, and will likely continue to do so well into the decades when a production of this sort might be looked upon as quaint.
Other contemporary additions -- singing and a myriad of music often supplied by real-life DJ Craig Wallace, in the role of Brother, add to the emotions played out on the stage. Such contemporary touches not only breathe extra elements into the story but arguably make it more palatable for younger theatergoers who might not immediately grasp the nuances of the rich script.
The most difficult part of recommending the play is deciding which standout performance to hail. Yes, the cast is really that talented. Rachel Leslie plays the sassy Beatrice -- who loses her heart to the man she most detests -- with such a natural air you'd swear she was born to the role. Yet Roxi Victorian couldn't offer a more compelling performance as the innocent, heartbroken and ultimately joyful Hero.
Yes, it's easy to go on and on about the brilliance of this cast but special kudos must be given to Alex Perez as Dogberry and Matt MacNelly as Verges, who each take minor roles and play them to such a degree that they have the audience almost weeping with laughter.
As trite as it may sound, Much Ado About Something is, well really something. Don't miss it.
