Much Ado About Nothing

Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival launches its 28th season with Much Ado About Nothing. This family-friendly production of one of Shakespeare’s most popular plays simply bubbles over with humour, glamour and romantic tension.

Set in Italy in 1959, a group of actors and filmmakers are celebrating the wrap of their latest movie.

Leonato (Andrew Wheeler), the head of a film studio, gets word that Don Pedro (Ian Butcher), the great film director, is on his way. Leonato’s niece Beatrice (Amber Lewis) inquires whether famous actor Benedick (Kevin Macdonald) is also coming.

The two stars are notorious for their ongoing battle of wits. Don Pedro arrives with Benedick and Claudio (Julien Galipeau), an up-and-coming actor. Leonato then invites everyone to vacation at his villa, including Don Pedro’s sister, Dona Johnna (Laara Sadiq). Claudio confesses to Benedick and Don Pedro that he’s in love with Hero (Parmiss Sehat), Leonato’s daughter.

The director offers to help woo her on Claudio’s behalf; he wins her love for Claudio and a wedding date is set. But Hero and Claudio’s marriage plans are almost ruined by the mean-spirited Dona Johnna, and la dolce vita is in danger of becoming not so sweet after all. Don Pedro also conspires to bring Benedick and Beatrice together, with hilarious consequences. Can love really conquer all?

Much Ado About Nothing was last staged at Bard in 2010 and starred Jennifer Lines and John Murphy as the two lovers. Directed by John Murphy, returning to the Festival for his eighth season, this high-spirited and stylish re-imagined show runs from June 1 to September 23 on the BMO Mainstage (opening night: June 15).

Bard on the Beach Presents Much Ado About Nothing

Dates: June 1 to September 23; previews: June 1, 10, 11, 13 and 14
Venue: Bard on the Beach, BMO Mainstage, Vanier Park, Vancouver
Tickets: From $21, available online or via phoning 604.739.0559 (toll free, 1.877.739.0559)
Note: Early booking is recommended for best seat selection; many performances sell out in advance.

Additional Bard events:
Bard-B-Q & Fireworks: July 29; August 2 and 5. Includes dinner, entertainment from the Dowco Triumph Street Pipe Band and a private view of the Celebration of Light Fireworks (starts at 5 pm). 

Talkback Tuesdays: Begins July 4 (BMO Mainstage) and July 18 (Howard Family Stage) – Q&A session with members of the cast following select Tuesday evening performances.
Family Nights: July 11, August 8 and 22 – Arrive at the Village early for family-friendly activities including the PIXSTAR Photobooth, Emelle’s food truck and an exclusive pre-show Theatre talk designed just for kids.
Wine Wednesdays: July 19; August 9 and 23; September 6 (Bard Marquee) – Intimate pre-show wine tasting events (starts at 6 pm).
 
Visit Bard on the Beach online for complete performance schedule, site information and special events.

Photo and image design by David Cooper and Emily Cooper.

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