Set in Messina, Italy, Shakespeare’s comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing” chronicles two pairs of lovers, Benedick and Beatrice and Claudio and Hero, as they navigate through good, old-fashioned Shakespearean chaos.
Those in Elon University’s Department of Performing Arts have been hard at work since the start of Winter Term and will present their rendition of the play in the Black Box Theatre on Jan. 23-27 and Feb. 5-8.
“First and foremost, this is a comedy,” assistant director Meagan Schrock said on behalf of the directing team. “That lighthearted feel is something that we’ve tried to keep at the forefront of our work while keeping in mind that there are lessons to be learned from the story.”
Director Kevin Otos leads the team and is assisted by freshman Emily Ciuffetelli and sophomore Meagan Schrock.
“The Winter Term show only has 16 rehearsals before the run of 11 performances begins,” Schrock said. “That being said, this cast is extremely diligent and hardworking. Because of this, we’ve hardly noticed the limiting time factor.”
Junior Benedetto Robinson, who plays Claudio, said that this is the most accelerated theatrical process that he has ever worked on.
“It’s hard enough to rehearse and prepare a show in six weeks, so I think us doing a full Shakespeare show in a month, from first read through to final performance, calls for a celebration,” said senior Tyler Alverson who plays Benedick.
Throughout Winter Term, students on-and-off-stage rehearse seven days a week, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., with a short break for lunch.
Despite such a hectic schedule, all those in the cast and crew of the show love the work they do and the people they do it with.
“I love my job,” senior stage manager Veronica Lee said. “The students and faculty that make up the performing arts department are some of the nicest, funniest and hardest working people you will meet.”
With such a heightened schedule, staying healthy is on the top of everyone’s priority list.
“We are all together from nine to six, seven days a week. Sickness is bound to spread, but when you miss a day in a schedule like this it’s like missing three,” said senior Kate Conway, who plays Beatrice. “Trying not to skimp on sleep, drinking tons of water and taking Vitamin C has been unusually high on my to-do list.”
Also joining the cast of students is Equity actor and assistant professor of performing arts Dan Matisa.
“He is a professor in the department, which can make it a bit intimidating for the student actors, but this gives them the opportunity to work alongside a true professional,” Schrock explained. “This is a wonderful opportunity for a hands-on learning experience, and we think everyone has enjoyed it thus far.”
With everyone giving 100 percent of their time and effort, the group of performers can’t wait for opening night.
“One of the best parts about opening night is seeing the shift in energy of the cast,” Lee said. “Also, it’s always rewarding to see how far everyone has come since the beginning of this production and since the beginning of their time at Elon.”
Conway urges people to come despite any wary feelings they may have about Shakespeare.
“I leave rehearsal every day happier than the last and I guarantee ‘Much Ado’ will put a smile on your face,” she said.
If anything, come out to experience the remarkable camaraderie of the Winter Term cast and crew. They could not sing each other’s praises louder.
“We’re all tackling Shakespeare together and we’ve established a great community in Messina,” Alverson said. “Everyone is just so much fun to work with; Messinians know how to get down.”
Director Otos shares one piece of advice: come prepared to laugh.
Reservations for Much Ado About Nothing can be made by calling (336)-278-5650.