Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival is a lively, romantic comedy centered on two very different couples… the sweet and sincere Hero and Claudio, and the sharp-tongued, endlessly entertaining Beatrice and Benedick. While one relationship faces deception and misunderstanding, the other unfolds through witty banter and reluctant attraction. As with many of the Bard’s works, the story blends love, mischief, and mistaken identity into something both humorous and surprisingly heartfelt.
What makes this particular production stand out is its unique setting… instead of an Italian villa, the story is set in 1919 around a restaurant called Leonatos. Because of it, the music and the costumes reflect that era, adding to the charm and delivering an atmosphere that feels warm, social, and inviting.
This production is absolutely worth seeing. Tarah Flanagan as Beatrice and Christopher Gerson as Benedick are fantastic, with comedic timing that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish. In fact, the overall humor throughout the play is right on point. A special treat is French Stewart as Dogberry… a familiar TV face from series like Third Rock from the Sun who brings an extra layer of fun to the role.
With performances running only through April 5, this one is definitely time-sensitive… and a great excuse to plan a field trip to the theater before it’s gone!
The Alabama Shakespeare Festival is located near Montgomery. By the way, it’s not a festival, but a gorgeous building in an impressive park. Find all details and purchase tickets here.
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