Shorewood Drama Presents "Much Ado About Nothing"

For the first time since a Midsummer Night’s Dream graced its stage about six years ago, Shorewood’s drama program is performing Shakespeare once again.

Drama teacher Barb Lachman preference was “The Tempest,” but the students wanted to do the romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.”—and the students got their way.

No surprise really, since the students read the play as seventh-graders at Einstein Middle School and are excited to perform it.

Doing Shakespeare can be a challenge, but Lachman said, “it’s easier to memorize Shakespeare for high school kids.”

This version of the play takes place in pre-World War II Italy and gives a nod to the screwball comedies of the 1930s with snappy dialogue, bantering lovers and mistaken identity, according to a school press release.

The show features the characters Beatrice, played by junior Rebeccca Erickson and, Benedick, played junior Cole Sweeten, as they engage in a battle of wits, attempting to deny their love for each other. 

“He’s rather big-headed and does things in this play that shoot him down to size,”Sweeten said of his character.

Beatrice, is a “female form of Benedick,” said Erickson. “She’s smart and witty and not worried about what other people think of her.”

Both actors said performing Shakespeare requires a rhythm, conveying emotion through facial expressions.

“It’s a whole different depth than reading Shakespeare in class,” Erickson said.

Meanwhile, Don Pedro’s half brother Don John, played by Oscar de Langen, tries to split apart the lovers Hero (Laura Humes) and Claudio (Joshua Wilson).

Lachman co-directs with Ian Duncan, a Seattle University student who is student teaching at Shorewood.

“He’s been mostly in charge of the comic scenes,” Lachman said.

The costumes are designed by long-time Shorewood costume designer, Viveca Sanai. Setting and lighting is by Marc McCartney and choreography is handled by Joel Simler. Adam Kastel serves as technical director and Matt Delaney is the stage manager.

It opens at 7:30 p.m. May 6, continues May 7 and May 12-14 at Shorewood’s theater. Tickets are available at Beach House Greetings, 626 Richmond Beach Road, $10 general admission and $8 for students. A special matinee for Einstein seventh-graders takes place Monday, May 16.