MEDIA CONTACT: Judy Moore at 847-491-4819 or jkm229@northwestern.edu

October 26, 2004

'Much Ado' Comes to Northwestern Stage

EVANSTON, Ill. --- “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of Shakespeare’s liveliest comedies, will launch Northwestern University’s 2004-05 Mainstage Theatre season. It also is the centerpiece of a three-day Shakespeare symposium that will be held on the Evanston campus Nov. 5 through 7.

Performances are scheduled for 8 p.m. Oct. 29 and Oct. 30, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Nov. 3, Nov. 4, Nov. 5 and Nov. 6, and 2 p.m. Nov. 7, at the Ethel M. Barber Theatre, 30 Arts Circle Drive, on the Evanston campus.

Originally performed in Elizabethan England more than 500 years ago -- Northwestern’s updated version will be re-imaged in post-World War II America and underscored with big band sounds, sailors returning triumphantly from a war, female factory workers a la Rosie the Riveter, and three ensemble dance numbers that capture the music and fancy footwork of the mid-1940s.

The popular romantic comedy about a love relationship between two strong personalities who see each other as combatants rather than partners will be directed by local actress Cindy Gold, associate professor of theatre at Northwestern.

“We will not approach Shakespeare’s text any differently, but we will try to capture the physical sense of the time,” said Gold. “The music and the energy, albeit a bit nostalgic, will energize the piece and convey the story quite well.”

The story focuses on Beatrice, a factory worker, and Benedict, the sailor who once spurned her. Both are so private and brilliant and filled with pride that they find it difficult to admit their feelings. Romance is in the air as Beatrice and Benedick’s friends invent clever ruses to bring the two lovers together.

After an opening scene at the Brooklyn shipyards, and another set in New York City’s Times Square, most of the remainder of the play takes place on the 60th floor of a penthouse on Manhattan’s upper east side -- the home of Leonato, a wealthy and decorated Navel Admiral.

Gold is eager to see her contemporary staging of this Shakespeare play materialize before a live audience. “I have had this idea for ‘Much Ado’ brewing in my head for 25 years,” she said. “I am excited to watch the 26-member Northwestern student cast make it come alive.”

A season subscription to all eight Mainstage Theatre season productions ranges from $70 to $135. Single tickets for “Much Ado About Nothing” range from $10 to $25.

For more information or to order a season subscription or single tickets by phone, call the Theatre and Interpretation Center box office at (847) 491-7282.