Shakespeare’s comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing” has come to life on the stage of Henderson State University’s Arkansas Hall Theater.
For those familiar with the play, there’s little to surprise. Though I haven’t read the work in many years, it seems to be a classic performance and remains pretty much true to the original.
What might be surprising to anyone expecting an amateur production is the quality. The first thing to strike the attention is the incredible set. I knew going in that the action would be confined to a small space but the set crew have done an incredible job, creating a realistic courtyard scene complete with a small well/fountain at the center and a balcony that’s used to support the action.
Hats off as well to the costume designers. There’s little doubt that all those involved made incredible use of limited resources to provide the trappings for the production.
The production itself was fun, exciting and professional. Overall the characters were on time, on cue and startlingly into their roles.
Naturally, several of the leading characters catch the immediate attention of the audience. Benedick, played by Ryan Quin, gets the first real laugh of the evening as he scrambles to overhear a conversation. He and Beatrice, played by Holly McCauley, trade sharp-tongued retorts. These characters play off each other well and the audience reacts well to them. The presentations by both of these young actors are catchy and fun.
The appropriate overacting as friends try to bring Beatrice and Benedick together as well as the dark plot to break up Hero (Hillary Bell) and Claudio (Hunter Warren) is well presented.
The show is well worth the investment in time and the price of the ticket. Tickets are by reservation only and the opening performance was to a packed house. Show dates are April 15, 16 and 17. The play begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly.
The Theatre Box Office is open for advance ticket sales from 1- 4 p.m. All seats are reserved. Admission is $6, or free with an HSU student ID. For reservations, call 230-5291, or e-mail theatre@hsu.edu.
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Shakespeare’s comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing” has come to life on the stage of Henderson State University’s Arkansas Hall Theater.
For those familiar with the play, there’s little to surprise. Though I haven’t read the work in many years, it seems to be a classic performance and remains pretty much true to the original.
What might be surprising to anyone expecting an amateur production is the quality. The first thing to strike the attention is the incredible set. I knew going in that the action would be confined to a small space but the set crew have done an incredible job, creating a realistic courtyard scene complete with a small well/fountain at the center and a balcony that’s used to support the action.
Hats off as well to the costume designers. There’s little doubt that all those involved made incredible use of limited resources to provide the trappings for the production.
The production itself was fun, exciting and professional. Overall the characters were on time, on cue and startlingly into their roles.
Naturally, several of the leading characters catch the immediate attention of the audience. Benedick, played by Ryan Quin, gets the first real laugh of the evening as he scrambles to overhear a conversation. He and Beatrice, played by Holly McCauley, trade sharp-tongued retorts. These characters play off each other well and the audience reacts well to them. The presentations by both of these young actors are catchy and fun.
The appropriate overacting as friends try to bring Beatrice and Benedick together as well as the dark plot to break up Hero (Hillary Bell) and Claudio (Hunter Warren) is well presented.
The show is well worth the investment in time and the price of the ticket. Tickets are by reservation only and the opening performance was to a packed house. Show dates are April 15, 16 and 17. The play begins at 7:30 p.m. nightly.
The Theatre Box Office is open for advance ticket sales from 1- 4 p.m. All seats are reserved. Admission is $6, or free with an HSU student ID. For reservations, call 230-5291, or e-mail theatre@hsu.edu.
