The Andrews University Theater Wing (AUTW) is bringing wit, romance and comedy to the stage with their production of William Shakespeare’s“Much Ado About Nothing” on Feb. 28 and March 1. This play, known for its witty dialogue and memorable characters, invites the audience to take a journey back to over 400 years ago, when this play was first performed.
“Much Ado About Nothing” takes place in the Italian town of Messina, where a group of soldiers arrives after a military victory. Claudio (Amos Cadet) quickly falls for the daughter of the governor, Hero (Reagan Westerman), and plans for a wedding begin to unfold. At the same time, the sharp-tongued Beatrice (Julia Nixon) and the independent Benedick (Roman Jordache) engage in a playful battle of wits that becomes one of the central sources of humor throughout the play. However, not everyone is happy about this upcoming marriage. Resentful outsiders scheme to disrupt the festivities, which leads to confusion, many damaged reputations, and tense confrontations. As these misunderstandings spread, loyalties are questioned and friendships are tested. With the help of unexpected characters and a series of revealing discoveries, the truth begins to surface, giving the characters a chance to reconcile and restore harmony.
The AU Theater Wing’s production aims to make Shakespeare accessible to everyone who comes to watch, whether a long-time fan of the play or a first-time viewer. Student actors, stage crew and directors have spent many weeks rehearsing lines, choreographing movement and getting costumes that will help bring the story to life. The performance truly highlights collaboration in its best form, by combining acting, set design, lighting and music to create a fully immersive theatrical experience.
Director Joel Pelletier said, “I have seen marked improvement with each rehearsal as our actors are phenomenal individuals with noticeable talent. Along with our tireless workers behind the scenes, the production is coming together nicely.” He continued to say, “it’s our first Shakespeare play in quite a few years… I invite everyone to come and see what hard work and prayer can accomplish.” He also gives a shout out to his co-director and actress for the role of Hero, Reagan Westerman, thanking her for all the help she has given him.
Audience members can expect an energetic performance and a lighthearted atmosphere, and despite the Elizabethan language, the play’s humor and situations can feel familiar to modern viewers, showing how easily misunderstandings can shape people’s perceptions of one another.
The production also offers students an opportunity to showcase their talents while building community through the performing arts. By staging a well-known Shakespearean play, the Theater Wing hopes to draw in both regular theatergoers and those attending a campus play for the first time. Westerman said, “If you love Shakespeare, this is for you; if you don’t know Shakespeare that well, then come and find out!”
These performances are free admission, and will take place on campus in the Newbold Auditorium in Buller Hall, on Feb. 28, at 7 p.m., and March 1, at 1 p.m. Students and community members alike are encouraged to attend and support the arts at AU.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.