Classic Theatre of Maryland’s production of Much Ado About Nothing is a witty, colorful interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy. Co-directors Donald Hicken and Sally Boyett (who also choreographs) set it in a tropical hotel in the 1950s, adding dancing and the era’s music. It is a fun summer show with lots of laughs as well as plenty to consider afterward.
Josh Lee plays Benedick, a man with a sharp wit, with hidden depths. His retorts are humorous but with cutting barbs. After one back-and-forth with Beatrice (Kristianna Pirrie Dilworth) that leaves him wounded, he slinks away sulking. Honoring a promise to Beatrice, he quietly but firmly challenges Claudio (Evan Leone).
Kristianna Pirrie Dilworth brings a concealed vulnerability to Beatrice, who matches Benedick in wit. Her jokes are as humorous as his and with just as much of an edge. Having scared off suitors, at one moment she shows a longing for love before laughing it off. Angered at Claudio, she stomps across the stage demanding justice, pushing away Benedick as he tries to speak to her. Their relationship is fascinating to watch, two clever people who clearly belong together and love each other but are afraid to admit it.
Evan Leone plays Claudio, Benedick’s friend, with quickly changing emotions: smitten with Hero (Delaney Jackson) but leaving the wooing to another friend, stiffly speaking to him after believing he has taken her for himself. Later, believing Hero unfaithful, he angrily and violently reproaches her, pushing her down. Remorseful, he lays flowers in a chapel, expressing how he loves Hero.
Delaney Jackson brings a liveliness to Hero, enamored with Claudio and helping set up Beatrice and Benedick. Accused by Claudio, she collapses to the floor, weeping, deeply emotional. Mackenzie Koehne plays Margaret, servant and friend to Hero and Beatrice, with a passionate charm, giving clever retorts to Benedick and Beatrice, while intimately dancing with Borrachio (Joe Love). Realizing her role in Hero’s misfortune, she weeps in the corner. Camila Aldet brings an easy allure to Ursula, eagerly helping Hero and Margaret with their plans for Beatrice. She confronts Claudio, needing to be held back from him.
Dexter Hamlett plays Leonardo, host and father to Hero, with quiet authority, embracing guests and directing preparations. Shocked at the accusations against Hero, he rails against her before attacking Claudio. Maverick Bunker brings an enthusiasm to Don Pedro, Benedick and Claudio’s commanding officer, eagerly helping to bring Benedick and Beatrice together. He supports Claudio’s accusations.
Pierce Bunch plays Don John, Don Pedro’s brother, with barely concealed anger, raging at any opportunity to create trouble for his brother and friends. Joe Love brings a roguish charm to Borrachio, Don John’s underling, dancing closely with Margaret and swaying his hips as he brags about his mischief. Brandon Doyle brings an excitement to fellow underling Conrad, eagerly listening to Borrachio’s exploits while angrily calling Dogberry (John Pruessner) “an ass.”
John Pruessner plays Dogberry with excellent comic timing, always using the exact wrong word and repeating himself in many different ways. Adam Lawrence and Nathan Rosen bring hilarious enthusiasm to his assistants, Seacole and Verges, excitedly rushing through their report on Borrachio. Rosen plays Friar Francis with strong authority, defending Hero’s reputation and creating a plan to save her. Colin Kemmerer brings a youthful mischievousness to the boy Richie, comically interrupting the action with noisemakers, slide whistles, and even a pogo stick.
Scenic Designer Salydon Boyken turns the stage into a tropical paradise, with vines, flowers, and plants all around. The backdrop is a metal screen with elaborate work, while the floor is Spanish tile. Canvas chairs, desks, and tables enter as needed. Costume Designer Sally Boyett and Wig Designer Tommy Malek recreate the 1950s with bright dresses and bikinis for the women, as well as suits for the men, who also wear naval officer and sailor uniforms. Dogberry and his associates wear Boy Scout uniforms.
Lighting Designer Adam Mendelson dims the lights in between scenes, as well as for night scenes. Sound Designer Folger Ridout plays classic 1950s songs throughout, usually commenting on the action. Donald Hicken and Sally Boyett keep the actors constantly moving around the stage, often to great comic effect. Benedick and Beatrice’s eavesdropping scenes are particularly hilarious. The dancing, with Mackenzie Koehne as dance captain, is a beautiful treat, especially one done to the “Tequilla” song, using spins and twirls, and uniquely passing around a bottle. The actors ensure that Shakespeare’s language feels natural even in the more modern setting. It feels reminiscent of a Cole Porter musical adaptation of Shakespeare. Everything comes together for an evening of delightful comedy with a bite, surprising at times while remaining familiar.
Running Time: Two hours and 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.
Much Ado About Nothing plays through July 27, 2025, at Classic Theatre of Maryland – 1804 West Street, Suite 200, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($61–$89), call the box office at 410-415-3513, email BoxOffice@classictheatremaryland.org, or purchase online.
