Wright State Theatre presents Shakespeare’s comedy ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ Feb. 14–23

Wright State Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” runs from Feb.14 to Feb. 23 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center. (Photos by Erin Pence)

Wright State University Theatre will present a Valentine’s Day treat when it opens its production of Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” on Feb.14 in the Festival Playhouse in the Creative Arts Center.

Wright State’s production is adapted by director Josh Aaron McCabe, associate professor of acting and head of the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting program in the School of Fine and Performing Arts.

“Our students’ training in our acting and musical theatre program involves so many varied skill sets,” he said, “and I knew that ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ would invite them to bring all of their training and imaginative play to the game.”

McCabe described the play as a story of forgiveness and learning how to move forward together.

“Much Ado About Nothing felt like the perfect fit as it encompasses so much of the human experience within its fast-paced storytelling,” he said. “There are two evolving love stories, there is playful mischievousness, eavesdropping, ridiculous physical comedy, music, singing, dancing, as well as a deeper exploration of humanity’s frailties: moments of deep pain, shame, tears and the ugliness of our missteps that can result from misinformation and jealousy.”

“Much Ado About Nothing” features choreography by Wright State acting majors Arianna Schrage and Alex Thate; costume design by Zoe Still, instructor in the theatre design and technology program; lighting design by Matthew Benjamin, head of the theatre design and technology program; sound design by resident sound designer James Dunlap; and set design by Brian Seckfort, instructor of scene design.

On the stage, it features Emma Massey as Leonata, Emma Edwards as Hero, Alexis Wentworth as Beatrice, Kayleigh Gleeson as Antonia, Juliette Trumbell as Margaret, Peyton Wheeler as Ursula, Anthony Luisi as Messenger, Blaise Duncan-Bevans as Don Pedro, Noah Funderburk as Count Claudio, Orion Carter as Signior Benedick, Ella McCormick as Balthasar, Arianna Schrage as Donna John, Carson Campbell as Borachio, Anna Parsons as Conrade, Joclyn Menedez-Blake as Friar Francis, Noel Nieczyporowicz as Dogberry, Aidan Edwards as Verges, Kathleen Barth as Seacoal, Evelyn Vordtriede as Oatcake, Alex Thate as Innogen and Anthony Luisi as Sexton.

Performances are Feb. 14, 15, 21 and 22 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 16, 22 and 23 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $23 for people 60 and older and $15 for students, faculty and staff. Tickets can be purchased at the Creative Arts Center box office between noon and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or at wrightliberalarts.universitytickets.com.

Next up in Wright State Theatre’s season is “Everybody” from Feb. 21 to March 2 in the Herbst Theatre. The season concludes with “Alice By Heart” from March 14 to 30 in the Festival Playhouse. View the schedule online.

Patrons who purchase tickets for “Much Ado About Nothing,” “Everybody” and “Alice By Heart” will receive 20% off. For more information, call the box office at 937-775-2500.