WHEN:                        February 8, 14, & 15 – @7:30pm
                                    February 9 & 16  – @3:00pm
 
WHERE:                      Heritage Presbyterian Church
                                     8503 Fort Hunt Road, in Alexandria, VA
 
TICKETS:                     $12.00 at the door
 
WEBSITE:                     mvcct.org
 
About the Show:
Originally published in the 1600s with the main characters returning from war, director Heather Sanderson brings a fresh, updated version to the stage as she takes MVCCT’s Much Ado About Nothing into 1982 Italy as the characters return from the World Cup!

Much Ado About Nothing is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, because it combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame, and court politics. Claudio and Hero are young, in love and getting married. Beatrice and Benedick are older, single and can’t stand each other. As friends and family gather for the wedding, hidden desires, jealousies and mischievous schemes threaten to keep the bride and groom from the altar. Will young love prevail, or will another romance bloom instead? One thing is certain – as long as there are men, women and passion there’s always “much ado.” This is a joyful comedy that ends with multiple marriages and no deaths!

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Heather Sanderson studied with some of the world’s finest teachers at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts in London, England. Heather is known locally for instilling a love of Shakespeare into the hearts of children and her students have performed several times at the National Theatre in Washington DC and in England. Heather’s extensive knowledge of Shakespeare has been utilized by The English Speaking Union and the Society for Arts and Letters, for whom Heather has served in a judging capacity. Heather may be familiar to fans of British television programs through her Tea with Heather segments on MPTs Afternoon Tea.

MVCCT was founded in 1980 as a not-for-profit organization to provide area youth with quality theatrical experiences that are educational, creative, engaging and supportive. Through the use of hands-on learning of the theatrical arts, MVCCT offers children, ages 3-18, the opportunity to enhance their development—building self-confidence, character, self-expression, autonomy and responsibility.

MVCCT strives to stimulate and enhance the cultural life of young people by offering a creative outlet that helps them to develop poise, independence, and accountability through self-expression. Numerous studies clearly indicate the value of arts education in contributing to the emotional and educational development of young people. Research has shown that participation in arts activities is linked to higher academic performance, more community service, a higher level of self-confidence and discipline, and improved social skills.