ACT I
“It must not be denied but I am a plain-dealing villain.”
In Messina, soldiers return from war and word spreads that Prince Don Pedro will woo Hero for Claudio. Beatrice and Benedick, whose history is long and messy, trade sharp barbs. Meanwhile, Donna Giovanna, the prince's bitter sister, hatches a plan to cause trouble for them all.
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ACT II
“To misuse the prince, to vex Claudio, to undo Hero, and kill Leonata.”
At a masked ball in the home of Governor Leonata, love and deception dance together. Don Pedro woos Hero for Claudio, and Donna Giovanna schemes to ruin the match. Meanwhile, their friends decide to trick Beatrice and Benedick into falling for each other—though Cupid hardly needs their help in that.
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ACT III
“Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand.”
Both Beatrice and Benedick are caught in the web of love, convinced the other secretly pines. But darker plans unfold as Donna Giovanna stages a cruel deception to make Hero appear unfaithful the night before the wedding. Meanwhile, the Watch and their bumbling Constable stumble onto the truth without even knowing it.
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| There will be a 15-minute Intermission following Act III, Scene 1. |
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ACT IV
“Come, lady, die to live.”
At the altar, Claudio publicly shames Hero, who collapses in disgrace. The Friar proposes they fake her death to uncover the villains. Left alone, Beatrice and Benedick finally confess their love—then she immediately demands he prove it by challenging Claudio to a duel.
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ACT V
“Serve God, love me and mend.”
The schemes are uncovered, misunderstandings set right, and joy returns to Messina. Old wrongs are forgiven, new bonds are formed, and the story concludes as it began, in celebration and song.
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