Description
“Fun-filled and light-hearted, Much Ado About Nothing-the latest Shakespeare-in-the-Park offering from Nashville Shakespeare Festival-offers its audiences a tuneful, sprightly way to celebrate late summer amid all the trappings of theatrical magic, brought to life by a confident, self-assured cast uttering the Bard’s timeless words set to the tuneful music and lyrics of Janet McMahan and David Huntsinger.”
-Broadway World
Set in 1945, as soldiers return home from the Pacific, this fresh and exciting take on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing blends classic romance, quick-witted comedy, and the infectious energy of a 1940s musical. But here’s the twist—you get to choose how to perform it!
Option 1: Shakespeare’s Words, 1940s Style
Keep the beauty of Shakespeare’s original language while immersing audiences in the glamour and rhythm of the post-war era. The dialogue stays true to the Bard, but the world is pure 1940s, complete with big band tunes, dance halls, and vintage charm.
Option 2: Swingin’ into the 40s
Take Shakespeare’s timeless story and bring it fully into the swing era! With modern English infused with the fast-talking, free-wheeling slang of the 1940s, this version makes the comedy, romance, and drama feel as fresh as a jitterbug on the dance floor.
Whichever way you play it, this high-energy, toe-tapping, crowd-pleasing musical is sure to be a smash hit with audiences of all ages. Get ready to make much ado like never before!
Book by William Shakespeare
Edited by Christine Mather and Janet McMahan
Music and Lyrics by Janet McMahan and David Huntsinger
Orchestrated by Ed Kee, David Huntsinger and Janet McMahan
Running time: 120 minutes
Cast Size: 20 – 23
Male: 14 (as written, but 4 male parts can be played by women)
Female: 8- 12 (depending on use of cross-gender casting)
All Products except a Perusal require a special code in order to purchase and download the product. Codes for all production materials will be sent to you once your show is officially licensed.