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COMING NEXT SUMMER
Much Ado About
Nothing
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
DIRECTED BY PETER BARBIERI JR.
Synopsis
Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon, pays a visit to Leonato, the Governor
of Messina, while returning from a victorious campaign against
his rebellious brother, Don John. Accompanying him are two of
his officers, Benedick and Claudio. While in Messina, Claudio
falls for Leonato's daughter, Hero; Benedick verbally spars with
Beatrice, the governor's niece. The Budding love between Claudio
and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for the marriage.
Meanwhile, the trickery begins as Don Pedro (with the help of
Leonato and Claudio) attempts to sport with Benedick and Beatrice
in an effort to make the two of them fall in love. Likewise, Hero
and her waiting woman help to set up Beatrice. Both Benedick and
Beatrice will think that the other has professed great love for
them.
The marriage
of Claudio to Hero is set to go. Don John —ostensibly
reconciled with his brother—despises Claudio, however, and
plots against him. First, he tells Claudio that Pedro wants Hero
for himself; next, he enlists the aid of his henchman Borachio
and one of Hero's gentlewomen disguised as Hero to stage an encounter
that will bring Hero's virtue into question. Claudio falls for
the ruse and denounces Hero at the alter. Friar Francis helps her,
hiding her away and enlisting the aid of Leonata, who announces
that his daughter has died of grief from the proceeding.
Fortunately
for Hero, Borachio is arrested while drunkenly boasting of his
part in
the plan (and the 1,000
ducats paid him). With Borachio's
confession, Hero is to be exonerated. Leonato demands a public
apology from Claudio, then tells him that he will allow Claudio
to marry one of his nieces in Hero's place—a neice that turns
out to be none other than Hero herself. Claudio and Hero are reunited,
Benedick and Beatrice will wed alongside them, and they receive
the news that Don John has been apprehended.
Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon
Leonato, Governor of Messina
Don John, his brother
Antonio, his brother
Borachio, follower of John
Margaret, attendant to Hero
Claudio, young Lord
Dogberry, a Constable
Hero, daughter of Leonato
Benedick, young Lord
Beatrice, niece to Leonato
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