Arts & Culture

'Much Ado' at UK Theatre

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 19, 2014) — The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance continues its season with a production of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20-22, and at 2 p.m.  Nov. 22 and 23, in the Guignol Theatre in the Fine Arts Building.

         

"Much Ado About Nothing” is widely considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest comedies for its combination of hilarious banter and slapstick with thoughtful commentary on public affairs of the day. At the center of the play are two dissimilar couples, Benedick and Beatrice and Claudio and Hero. Benedick and Beatrice, an opposing pair equally matched in wits, are tricked into confessing their love for one another. Claudio easily wins Hero’s heart, but their happiness is threatened when Don John plots to destroy the wedding. Deception and rumor drive the action in this wickedly charming tale.

"Our production is very accessible — full of comedy, tragedy, dancing, dirty jokes; it's weird, it's lyrical, it's tone runs the gamut of theatrical endeavor...it's Shakespeare,” said Matthew Johnson, director of the production and adjunct instructor at UK Theatre. Johnson is the former associate artistic director of the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company.

Tickets for "Much Ado About Nothing" are $10 for students and $15 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased by calling 859-257-4929, by visiting scfatickets.com, or in person at the ticket office.

The UK Department of Theatre and Dance at UK College of Fine Arts has played an active role in the performance scene in Central Kentucky for more than 100 years. Students in the program get hands-on training and one-on-one mentorship from a renowned professional theatre faculty. The liberal arts focus of their bachelor's degree program is coupled with ongoing career counseling to ensure a successful transition from campus to professional life.

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu