Much Ado About Nothing

 Much Ado About Nothing
Gene Frankel Theater
June 29, 2024 

Photo courtesy of Kelsey Grammer
& Faith American Brewing Co.

The Kelsey Grammer & Faith American Brewing Company production of Much Ado About Nothing is passionate, witty, and colorful.  Director Thomas G. Waites gathered students from the TGW acting studio to perform this two hour version of Shakespeare’s well-known comedy.  There are two casts performing on alternate dates.  They are all skillful, committed performers who create truthful and complex characters scheming, obstructing, and finally finding love. 

Beatrice (played by Kaitlyn Mitchell) and Hero (played by Jordan Elizabeth Gelber) are waiting for the return of the soldiers.  Hero’s father, Leonato (played by David Manganiello) welcomes the men upon their return.  Don Pedro (played by Jacque Coqueran) is reunited with Hero, yet Claudio (played by Dillon John Collins) professes his love for her.  Don Pedro tells Claudio he will pretend to be him during the upcoming masked party to woo her in his name, then confess the plan to Leonato in order for Claudio to get Hero’s hand.  The plan is successful, yet Don Pedro’s brother, Don John (played by Surge), conspires with Borachio (played by Matt “Ugly” McGlade) and Conrad (played by Brandon Lima) to break them up.

Kaitlyn Mitchell & Jakob Minevich
Photo by Rob Klein, courtesy of Kelsey Grammer 
& Faith American Brewing Co.

Meanwhile, Don Pedro comes up with a plan to get Beatrice and Benedick (played by Jakob Minevich) together.  He sees their heated discussions as evidence of true love.  He involves Claudio and Leonato in his plan.  He also convinces Hero, Ursula (played by Matt “Ugly McGlade), and Margaret (played by Brandon Lima) to gossip about Benedick’s affections for Beatrice to overhear.  Don Pedro’s plan to break up Claudio and Hero comes to fruition at their wedding, which unites Benedict and Beatrice to take retribution.

The chemistry between Jakob Minevich’s Benedick and Kaitlyn Mitchell’s Beatrice is palpable from the first moment they meet, and carries through to the end of the play.  Ms. Mitchell is captivating.  When she delivers Beatrice’s “Oh, that I were a man…” speech, convincing Benedict to kill Claudio, Benedick is putty in her hands.  Mr. Minevich plays Benedick with a suave, gritty strength, yet willingly opens his heart to Beatrice.  These moments are genuinely touching, and delivered with a comic flair.  These two actors are evenly matched, creating an authentic connection.  

Matt "Ugly" McGlade, Brandon Lima,
Jordan Elizabeth Gelber, & Kaitlyn Mitchell
Photo by Rob Klein, courtesy of Kelsey Grammer
& Faith American Brewing Co.

Dillon John Collins and Jordan Elizabeth Gelber develop a truthful bond, and create a sincere relationship as Claudio and Hero.  Mr. Collin’s Claudio is determined and sure of himself.  Ms. Gelber’s Hero is honest and virtuous.  Their attraction transcends the plotting and scheming that takes place around them.  There is pure joy when they are finally wed.       

Director Thomas G. Waites makes the most of Shakespeare’s scenes that include three characters.  The initial scene between Claudio, Don Pedro, and Benedick is rhythmic, and delivered with perfect timing.  The scene between Don Pedro, Claudio, and Leonato, where they are plotting to get Beatrice and Benedict together, is endearing and masterfully executed.  The scene between Don John, Borachio, and Conrad, where they are plotting to break up Claudio and Hero, is truly menacing.  Shakespeare brings these characters together in groups of three to conspire on schemes that propel the plot forward.  We see the characters from a focused lens in these scenes.  Their complexities rise to the surface.  Mr. Waites gets the most from his actors in these scenes.  The plot thickens and the audience is fully engaged. 

David Manganiello, Dillon John Collins,
Jordan Allen Bell, & Jakob Minevich
Photo by Rob Klien, courtesy of Kelsey Grammer
& Faith American Brewing Co.

Surge portrays Don Pedro as the villain Shakespeare intended.  He is vile, causing problems for the young lovers that have high stakes consequences.  Jacque Coqueran’s Don Pedro is adventurous and bold.  Matt “Ugly” McGlade is highly versatile, and moves with a confident musicality.  He is fully committed in both characters he portrays.  His Borachio is loathsome and despicable.  His Ursula is brash and over the top. The scene where we first meet Dogberry (played by Arnie Mazer), Verges (played by John Galligan), and Seacole  (played by Jordan Allen Bell) is highly comic.  These three characters are immediately established, and their subsequent scenes exceed the initial expectation.  

Composer Cedric Allen Hill is at the keyboard throughout the show, providing background music that enhances the action.  The emotion of each scene deepens due to this inspired music.  He also beautifully composed music for Shakespeare’s verse in two different scenes, and plays the role of Balthasar with ease and confidence.  

Much Ado About Nothing has been extended.  The production will be playing at the Gene Frankel Theater (24 Bond St.) through July 7. 

Domenick Danza