Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

Monday, August 08, 2011 - Tuesday, August 09, 2011

August 8: Much Ado About Nothing

August 9: Merchant of Venice

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Leonato, a rich nobleman, his daughter Hero, and her cousin Beatrice learn that Don Pedro, a young soldier, has won victory in a battle and is returning home. He arrives with Claudio, Benedict, and Pedro's estranged brother, Don John. Claudio falls in love with Hero at first sight. Benedict and Beatrice chide one another and trade witticisms. In private, Claudio tells Benedict of his love, but Benedict only teases him. Don Pedro, however, vows to help

Claudio by disguising himself as Claudio and making advances to Hero. Don John's servant Conrad informs Don John of Claudio and Pedro's plans, and out of spite John plans to attempt to foil the plans.

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

As the play opens, we meet Antonio, a Venetian merchant. Antonio agrees to give his best friend Bassanio the money he needs to hopefully woo and marry the beautiful Portia. Antonio has no cash, so he goes to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Antonio accepts a bargain from Shylock in exchange for the money: Shylock will charge no interest, but if he is not paid back on time, Antonio will forfeit, literally, "a pound of flesh."