Much Ado about Bridge Players Theatre Company’s Much Ado About Nothing

by Cassidy Scherz

If you are searching for a fun-filled night of humor, then look no further than Bridge Players Theatre Company’s Much Ado About Nothing! Written in 1598 by William Shakespeare, this classic comedy tells the story of two romantic pairs that emerge when a group of soldiers arrives in the town of Messina. The young Hero becomes engaged to Claudio, and with help from Hero’s father and uncle, along with Claudio’s friend the Prince, the group conspires to match Hero’s sharp-tongued cousin Beatrice with the self-proclaimed bachelor Benedick. However, both couples must learn to navigate the truth as they reap the consequences of gossip, confessions, and false accusations. 

Admittedly, I have not seen many Shakespearean plays, however, I was pleasantly surprised by the cleverness of the production’s design. While Much Ado About Nothing is originally set in the late 1500s, the music that greeted me was none other than renaissance-sounding renditions of pop hits by artists such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, and others. The design team - Artemis de Groot, Daniel Szatkowski, Jessi Meisel, Mars Williams, and Jackie Reinhart - crafted the most comical set, complete with numbered blocks (69, 420, 666, etc.), trees with signage to indicate the setting (fountain, lamp, etc.), and a backdrop that said… well, “backdrop.” Even the costumes were amusing, with plain white t-shirts that stated the character’s name on the front and quips on the back, such as “SM’s B*tch” and “I exist.” Most characters donned colorful sunglasses, and in several of the scenes, actors could be seen carrying red solo cups and giant joints creating a modern frat-party aesthetic that made this Shakespearean comedy accessible, silly, and thoroughly entertaining.

I must also commend the entire cast and crew for their ability to adapt to a new space so quickly after their original theater became unavailable. This transition likely would not have been possible without the leadership and quick thinking of Director Artemis de Groot, Producer Daniel Szatkowski, Production Assistant Jack Miller, Assistant Director/Stage Manager Jessi Meisel, and Assistant Stage Manager Mars Williams. Their energy and commitment, along with Dramaturg Dani Costello’s insightful work, truly brought this joyful production to life.

Understanding Shakespearean language is no easy feat, but Dani Costello delivers a performance as Beatrice that feels effortless. Her impeccable comedic timing, command of the text, and sharp wit make her portrayal a standout, and I enjoyed her performance immensely. Costello is wonderfully complimented by Nina Linger as Benedick, whose macho, play-boy attitude kept the audience laughing throughout the show. Hannah Lee DeFrates gives us a charmingly optimistic and naïve Claudio, easily capturing the character’s boyish sincerity and emotional vulnerability. Her sweetness perfectly matches that of Marissa DiPilla’s Hero, whose earnestness adds warmth to their whirlwind romance - at least until Claudio publicly accuses her of infidelity at the altar.

Amber Stolarski gives us a Prince Don Pedro who is genuine and kind-hearted, though he occasionally oversteps his bounds. Stolarski’s relationships with both Linger and DeFrates are goofy and perfectly balanced, giving us a sort of Three Stooges act. Deitra Oliver delivers an emotionally complex performance as Leonato, father of Hero, quickly shifting from jovial and generous to accusatory and threatening. Tim Kirk’s Don John perfectly encapsulates the traditional Shakespeare villain - he is brooding, manipulative, and cold. Mars Williams and Paige Bates, playing Borachio(saurus) and Conrade respectively, serve as the perfect catalysts for Ethan Rundell’s hilariously unhinged portrayal of the Southern-accented constable Dogberry. Together, the trio, along with Geoffery Burr as the subservient deputy Verges, drive the plot forward with their chaotic energy. 

Allyssa Winkelspecht (Margaret), Jacqi Lasker (Ursula), Amani Beatty (Antonio), Rocky Addison (George), Felix Ramos (Balthasar), and Robert Pacquiao Ruelan (Friar) round out this cast of crazy characters, each bringing their own unique flair and comedic energy to the ensemble. Every actor stayed remarkably present and energized throughout the performance, helping to maintain the show’s momentum and making the world of Much Ado feel alive from start to finish.

Whether you're looking for the perfect introduction to Shakespearean theatre or you're a lifelong fan, this show offers a fresh, hilarious, and wildly entertaining take on Much Ado About Nothing that’s not to be missed. Unfortunately this production run does end today 7/20/2025 at 3:00pm so make sure you buy tickets now before it closes at: https://www.bridgeplayerstheatre.com/tickets