Director's Notes
Time after a war can be one of the most powerful for building relationships, discovering truths about individual identity, and finding the humor in almost anything. Much Ado About Nothing explores themes such as the power of love in any conflict and the importance of not taking life too seriously. The play focuses on an assortment of endearing characters: a loving and innocent daughter, a sassy and bold maiden, a brave and noble prince, a conniving and bitter adversary, and a confused yet determined constable.
This story centers around a sweet marriage that takes place in the wake of the Vietnam war, a time when the United States was trying to pull itself back together by any means possible. A sense of humor is an important part of how people find comfort in one another after difficult experiences. New York City is filled with a sense of adventure, unique and downright ludicrous characters, and an overall appreciation for the brevity of life. The story takes place in 1975, in a suburb outside of the city where love is stretched and analyzed by all.
After the long and tenuous war, soldiers return home to reinvent themselves and renew bonds that they had with people before they left. Much Ado About Nothing stresses the importance of communication and the ability to overcome any obstacle for the sake of love. This comedy follows the story of the dramatically lovestruck, shows the power of sarcasm and wit, and raises questions about the inherent nature of humanity.
This show came together in a similarly trying time for many of our students; thrust into a new year with new direction, these students rose to the challenge of tackling one of Shakespeare’s funniest works. The countless hours of preparation, of long tech days and stumbling through lines, has paid off in the incredible piece of theatre you see today. People always say that it will come together at the end. Perhaps some of the most impressive work has been the creation of music by the Singing Minstrels during the process. This production exemplifies the power that the love for theatre art can have.
I could not be more honored to be a part of such a creative and eclectic group, and I would like to express my extreme gratitude for the hard work put into this production. The incredible parent support provided the backbone for us, while the sincere dedication of the actors and technicians allowed the show its grace. It took the commitment of every person involved to make this show successful, and I could not be more proud of the work we have done together.
Rachel Novi
Director of Drama
