Montana Shakespeare in the Parks: Much Ado About Nothing

Friday, August 12, 2011

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.

At dinner, while discussing husbands, Beatrice vows to never marry, echoing Benedict's earlier vow. The men arrive in masks: Don Pedro and Hero dance; Benedict and Beatrice dance, and she takes advantage of the situation to make fun of Benedict. Don John appears to Claudio, who identifies himself as Benedict, even though Don John knows he's Claudio. Don John tells him Don Pedro is actually in love with Hero, causing Claudio to become angry. To his relief, though, Don Pedro reunites Hero and Claudio and a wedding is planned. Further, Don Pedro plans to convince Beatrice and Benedict to marry one another, even though both have vowed to never marry. Soon, Don John learns of Claudio's engagement to Hero. Still hoping to foil their marriage, he and his servant Borachio plan to brand Hero as unfaithful and thus compromise the marriage. In the orchard/garden, Don Pedro, Leonato, and Claudio discuss Beatrice's "love" for Benedict. Although Benedict is hiding, they know he is there and lead him to believe she loves him; Benedict takes the bait.