“Much Ado About Nothing” contrasts comedy with empathy

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How do you get students to enjoy Shakespeare? By watching “Much Ado About Nothing” from Montclair State University players, of course!

“Much Ado About Nothing” was performed Nov. 15-17 at the Red Hawk Nest Student Center. It follows the story of Marcello Fois as Benedick and Erin Moore as Beatrice in a world full of folly, misunderstanding and scandal. Players skillfully navigate the popular Shakespearean text, mixing the traditional text with modern slang to provide 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 a lot of dimension. Highlights of the performance included his humorous scenes, such as when he played “Peaches” by Jack Black on the piano and tried to woo Beatrice, and when he hid behind an arras and listened to the gossip about Beatrice’s love.

Marcello Fois as Benedick.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift

Moore’s Beatrice shines in her sarcasm and is a perfect romantic compliment to Fois and a comrade to Mari Gordon’s Hero, while also standing perfectly on her own. She showed the tremendous depth of Beatrice, had a strong face and at the same time felt feelings of dizziness and sadness.

Gordon shone as the hero, and she and Alex Andrews as Leonato delivered the most devastating scene in the play when she was vilified. The anger in his voice as he tried to hit her and the sheer fear in her shook me to the 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 versus his anger during the wedding scene, where he overturned benches and screamed at the top of his lungs.

Jordan Mirrione as Claudio.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift

“Much Ado About Nothing” has many difficult moments, but it also shines with 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 shined as Don Pedro, dancing with moves that would make Lin Manuel Miranda jealous. The fact that Don Pedro and Leonato were lovers left me gasping and panting, a twist I could never have imagined.

Dakota Rios as Don Pedro.
Kaitlin Swift | The Montclarion Photo credit: Kaitlin Swift

The setting of “Red Hawk Nest” was perfect for a Shakespeare adaptation. I liked the production, seeing the characters move through the rows and through the doors and out again. It made for a more interactive and immersive audience experience that worked seamlessly with the entrances and exits of a Shakespeare 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 lavish costuming and lighting, characters everywhere you looked, and student actors who could convey satire, sadness, and celebration. The cast and crew of Players have done an incredible job putting this production together and I can’t wait to see what comes next.