The Rustic Mechanicals will perform the Shakespeare classic “Much Ado About Nothing” at 8 p.m. Friday, April 8 in Myles Center for the Arts Harper-McNeeley Auditorium on the campus of Davis & Elkins College. The event is hosted by the Davis & Elkins College Theatre and Film Department.
While admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.
The play is set in Messina as a group of soldiers returns from the trenches. The world-weary Benedick and his friend Claudio find themselves reacquainted with Beatrice and Hero. As memories of conflict give way to a life of parties and masked balls, Claudio and Hero fall madly, deeply in love, while Benedick and Beatrice reignite their own rather more combative courtship. Shakespeare’s comic romance plays out amidst the brittle high spirits of a post-war house party, as youthful passions run riot, lovers are deceived, and happiness is threatened before peace ultimately wins out.
The performance is directed by Jim Warren, alongside Intimacy Director Jessica Morgan, Voice and Text Coach Bridget Rue Esterhuizen and Movement Coach Tommy Schoffler. The production features technical direction by David Byard, costume design by Jason A. Young, hair and make-up design by Samantha Huffman and dramaturgy from John S. Shirley. The Mechanicals featured in the production include Josh Brooks, Niki DeWitt, Clarence Finn, Nicole Davis, Sean Marko, Jim Matthews, Jason A. Young, Sarah Young, Justin Allan and Justin Grow.
The Rustic Mechanicals are West Virginia’s only Shakespeare Troupe. The troupe produces three tours a year, hosts several special events and runs a high school Apprentice Troupe.
A collection box will be available for donations to the Randolph County Homeless Shelter. Current needs include laundry detergent, washcloths, pillows, twin-size bed sheets, canned goods, body washes, body soaps, shampoos and conditioners, towels and basic household cleaning items.
For reservations, call 304-637-1255 or visit www.showtix4u.com/events/dewv. For additional information, email D&E Instructor of Theatre and Film Lonnie Martin at martinl@dewv.edu.
The Rustic Mechanicals will perform the Shakespeare classic “Much Ado About Nothing” at 8 p.m. Friday, April 8 in Harper-McNeeley Auditorium
