How do you get students to enjoy Shakespeare? By seeing “Much Ado About Nothing” performed by the Montclair State University Players, of course!
“Much Ado About Nothing” was performed from Nov. 15 to Nov. 17 at the Student Center in the Red Hawk Nest. It follows the enemies to lovers story of Marcello Fois as Benedick and Erin Moore as Beatrice, in a world of folly, miscommunication and scandal. The Players expertly navigate the beloved Shakespearean text, mixing the traditional text with modern slang to make an incredibly entertaining experience for all viewers.
Erin Moore (left) as Beatrice and Marcello Fois (right) as Benedick.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift
Fois shines as Benedick. His mix of feigned indifference, comedy and empathy gives his character lots of dimension. Highlights of the performance included his humorous scenes, such as when he played “Peaches” by Jack Black on the piano trying to woo Beatrice and when he hid behind an arras listening to gossip about Beatrice sharing his love.
Marcello Fois as Benedick.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift
Moore’s Beatrice shines in her sarcasm, serving as a perfect romantic compliment to Fois and comrade to Mari Gordon’s Hero while standing perfectly on her own. She showcased the enormous depth of Beatrice, holding a strong face while having emotions of giddiness and sorrow.
Gordon shone as Hero, with her and Alex Andrews as Leonato providing the most devastating scene in the play when she is slandered. The anger in his voice as he attempted to hit her and the sheer fear in her shook me to my core.
Alex Andrews as Leonato.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift
As did Jordan Mirrione as Claudio, with the juxtaposition of his cheerful and joking demeanor contrasted with his furiosity during the wedding sequence, toppling benches and screaming with all his might.
Jordan Mirrione as Claudio.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift
While having many heavy moments, “Much Ado About Nothing” also shines in its comedy. Jamie Yermish as Verges and Scott Ackerson as Dogberry stole the spotlight in their scenes, galloping on fake horses and making the audience roar with laughter.
Dakota Rios also shone as Don Pedro, dancing with moves that would make Lin Manuel Miranda jealous. Don Pedro and Leonato being lovers had me gasping and wheezing, in a twist I never would have imagined.
Dakota Rios as Don Pedro.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift
The Red Hawk Nest setting was perfect for a Shakespeare adaptation. I loved the staging, seeing the characters walk through the rows and in and out of the doors. It made for a more interactive and immersive audience experience that worked seamlessly with the entrances and exits of a Shakespearean play.
The cast of Much Ado About Nothing.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift
“Much Ado About Nothing” was an incredible modern twist on a beloved classic, with intricate costuming and lighting, characters everywhere you looked, and student actors able to convey satire, sorrow and solemnity. The Players cast and crew did an incredible job putting this production together, and I, for one, cannot wait to see what comes next.
