By Marilyn Jozwik
Shakespeare’s comedies are perfectly suited for a relaxing summer evening outdoors. And Summit Players Theatre has honed the genre to a fine point, offering audiences top-notch entertainment for seven seasons.
This year’s offering is the sprightly “Much Ado About Nothing.” With its comical characters, language laughs and action-packed scenes, it is right in the Players’ wheelhouse.
Maureen Kilmurry directs this cast of six, who effectively and energetically don simple costume pieces, accents and postures to fill the 20-plus roles seamlessly. The troupe looked fresh and lively for the season opener outside Lalumiere Hall on the Marquette University campus. The perfect sunlit evening created a perfect setting for the show, with nearby church bells ringing during a wedding scene and birds chirping their approval from nearby trees.
Maya Danks as Don John and Caroline Norton as Conrade in a scene from Summit Players Theatre “Much Ado About Nothing.”
The story centers around the pairing of Benedick (George Lorimer), a soldier who fancies himself a sort of macho man who has no intent to marry, and Beatrice (Caroline Norton), a feminist character who also proclaims her independence, and her loathing of Benedick.
Benedick and Don Pedro (Ogunde Snelling Jr) have returned from battle and are staying at Leonato’s (Maya Danks) home as the play opens.
Benedick and Beatrice’s relationship is called “a merry war” and “skirmish of wit.” Benedick often chides Beatrice, on one occasion saying “I would my horse have the speed of your tongue.” Their wit and humor bounce merrily off each other in a way that shows a deeper connection. Their relationship reminds me of a modern-day romantic comedies in which a couple starts out seeming to dislike each other and by the end of the show are hopelessly in love.
George Lorimer as Benedick, King Hang as Claudio, Ogunde Snelling Jr as the Friar, Emma Knott as Hero and Maya Danks as Leonato in a scene from Summit Players Theatre “Much Ado About Nothing.”
In this case, neither is ready to give up their independence and marry. Says Beatrice, “I had rather hear my dog bark at a crow than a man swear he loves me.” Says her cousin, Hero, “She cannot love, she is so self-endeared.”
Norton and Lorimer are wonderful as the reluctantly in-love couple, batting barbs back and forth as fast as Serena and Venus Williams tennis balls. Lorimer is tall and lean, giving his Benedick lots of expression and big movements to punctuate the comedy. Norton, too, has wonderful comic timing and nuance to her tone to get the most out of Shakespeare’s witty words. The two also do a nice job portraying Borachio and Conrade, accomplices to Don John’s wicked plans. The scenes in which they each hide behind a bush prop to overhear other characters talking about them is a hoot.
While Beatrice and Benedick romp through the show with their light-hearted relationship, Hero (Emma Knott), Beatrice’s cousin, is wooed by Claudio (King Hang) in more traditional fashion. Knott handles the meek, staid Hero wonderfully, while transforming totally to the dim Dogberry, leader of the clownish Watch group (which also includes Hang and Snelling Jr). With a hillbilly accent proudly spouting a slew of hilarious malaprops and exaggerated antics, Knott’s Dogberry keeps the mood light after Don John has cast doubt on Hero’s character and aims to discredit her. Knott also lends a lovely soprano voice as Balthazar, who sings of the infidelity of men. The occasional choral music was nicely done, with guitar, ukulele and percussion accompaniments, which served to enhance the show.
Ogunde Snelling Jr as Don Pedro, Maya Danks as Leonato, Emma Knott as Hero and King Hang as Claudio in a scene from Summit Players Theatre “Much Ado About Nothing.”
Danks also has two disparate roles – Leonato and Don John -- and gives each a distinct portrayal. Leonato, Hero’s father and Beatrice’s uncle as well as host to most the gatherings, is connected to all characters. He is a reasonable man and a stickler for justice. Danks’ Don John character, just defeated in war, bitterly tries to spoil Hero and Claudio’s relationship.
Snelling Jr has a clear, perfect-for-outdoors voice and is most engaging as Don Pedro (Don Pedro’s brother), a prince and nobleman and perhaps the most honorable character in the show, as well as the Friar. Hang’s Claudio must dial through a range of emotions as he falls in love with Hero, is tricked into believing she is unfaithful and then sorts through more trickery at the end.
There is a charming little song and dance number at the end that punctuates the joy and energy the cast has for this Shakespearean piece. The actors’ efforts were roundly appreciated by a good-sized audience on a lovely summer night.
If You Go:
Who: Summit Players Theatre
What: “Much Ado About Nothing”
When: Through Aug. 20
Where: Various state parks
Info: www.summitplayerstheatre.com