DENVER CENTER THEATRE COMPANY

(In the Dorota and Kevin Kilstrom Theatre) SEP 30 – NOV 6

 

William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing was set in Messina and believed to have been penned in the late 1590s. The Denver Center’s production of this tragicomedy is set in Messina in the 1930s.

     The title is thought to refer to much ado about ‘noting,’ since most of the play revolves around hearsay and gossip that causes joy and surprise for one couple as well as heartbreak and despair for the other. 

     Director Chris Coleman’s staging of the play has done a superb job of making us as audience aware of this. 

     His choice to have the scenes bridged by musicians playing live music, as well as presenting us with a glorious party at which jewel-toned Japanese lanterns descend, add immeasurably to our enjoyment of the show. 

     One must also commend the director for his success at putting the sound of Shakespeare’s words center stage with such clarity!

     The chemistry between Geoffrey Kent as Benedick and Dana Green as Beatrice is electric. One wishes to be able to say that of Jennifer Paredes’ Hero and Gerrard James’ Claudio, but unfortunately it wasn’t there yet on opening night. Hopefully it will be there by the time you get to the theatre.

     The very name of Geoffrey Kent will make any true theatre lover race to see him as Benedick. Let me just say, he is brilliant, and never disappoints.  From his early speeches in which he vows to be a bachelor forever, to his embrace of Beatrice near final curtain, Kent’s work delights.

     Dana Green was new to this reviewer. (Please be aware that I will search out her name in every program from now on.) 

     As Beatrice she commands the stage with excellence and luminosity.  Green builds with true artistry from her command to “kill Claudio,” to her “I would eat his heart in the marketplace.” 

    May we be blessed with her onstage presence in other shows again soon!!!

   Rob Nagle’s performance in the role of Dogberry is Outstanding! His comic timing, facial expressions, and body movement, combined with the hilarious malaprops that Shakespeare puts in his mouth, send ripples of laughter through the audience multiple times.

     Logan Ernstthal’s delivery of the friar’s speech following the scandal at the altar, is riveting.

     Gareth Saxe is brilliant as Hero’s father, Leonato.

     As Don John, Gavin Hoffman was a little one-note for this reviewer. 

     Jihad Milhem’s Borachio, Desiree Mee Jung’s Margaret and Rodney Lizcano’s Don Pedro are all memorable

       Kevin Copenhaver’s costume design is his usual professional work. The wedding gown this artist created for Hero is, to quote the Bard,“a most rare fashion, i’ faith.” It’s Gorgeous! This artist’s hand-painted vest for Dogberry is Amazing!

     Klara Zieglerova’s scenic design, festooned with glorious floral designs is eye-popping!

    

     It may not be perfect, but this production has so much that is Wondrous and Beautiful…

 

It’s Not to be missed!

 

For tickets go online at denvercenter.org