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neadodsIf you're in the DC area and have time before November 27, run-don't-walk to the Folger box office and pick up a ticket for their delightful version of Much Ado About Nothing.
Set just after WWII, the play takes place at an English manor house (slightly bombed at the edges), which is hosting the victorious English prince, whose troops include one cocky American aviator.
Folger standard Kate Eastwood Norris plays Beatrice, with the new-to-these-parts PJ Sosko as her flyboy. Norris was tiny bit snappish even for a war-weary, heartsore Beatrice, but generally was lively and witty. Sosko, on the other hand, was an vibrant and athletic warrior (although a good foot shorter than any of the other men he was every inch a soldier - and with his excellent sense of physical comedy, the perfect baffled lover as well.) Everyone handled their roles beautifully - even Dogsberry, who usually annoys the heck out of me, worked in this charming production.
There were some changes made, but skillfully so. "Sword" and "scabbard" were changed to "gun" and "holster" to fit the costumes; "Ethiope" was changed to "basilisk" to fit the times. This version had much more drive and energy than most Ados; I realized later as I checked the script that this was because the director had left all the scenes intact, but had ruthlessly pared away any speeches that interfered with the action. It was a wise choice; nothing feels like it's missing (and indeed, nothing important is) but a lot of the unnecessary dialog is prevented from dragging down the play.
In addition to your ticket, you have ample time before the show and during intermission to check out the free exhibition entitled "Consuming Splendor: Luxury Goods in England, 1580–1680."
Bubbly, witty, fast-paced and funny, this is one of THE quintessential productions of Much Ado. Don't miss it.
Set just after WWII, the play takes place at an English manor house (slightly bombed at the edges), which is hosting the victorious English prince, whose troops include one cocky American aviator.
Folger standard Kate Eastwood Norris plays Beatrice, with the new-to-these-parts PJ Sosko as her flyboy. Norris was tiny bit snappish even for a war-weary, heartsore Beatrice, but generally was lively and witty. Sosko, on the other hand, was an vibrant and athletic warrior (although a good foot shorter than any of the other men he was every inch a soldier - and with his excellent sense of physical comedy, the perfect baffled lover as well.) Everyone handled their roles beautifully - even Dogsberry, who usually annoys the heck out of me, worked in this charming production.
There were some changes made, but skillfully so. "Sword" and "scabbard" were changed to "gun" and "holster" to fit the costumes; "Ethiope" was changed to "basilisk" to fit the times. This version had much more drive and energy than most Ados; I realized later as I checked the script that this was because the director had left all the scenes intact, but had ruthlessly pared away any speeches that interfered with the action. It was a wise choice; nothing feels like it's missing (and indeed, nothing important is) but a lot of the unnecessary dialog is prevented from dragging down the play.
In addition to your ticket, you have ample time before the show and during intermission to check out the free exhibition entitled "Consuming Splendor: Luxury Goods in England, 1580–1680."
Bubbly, witty, fast-paced and funny, this is one of THE quintessential productions of Much Ado. Don't miss it.
