Dive Into the World of
Much Ado About Nothing
Director's Notes
Program notes contributed by Robert Ramirez, Director of Much Ado About Nothing
I have a long history with this play. It was my very first paid acting job – here in Wisconsin actually! - and I have been attached to several productions of it in some way or another over the span of my career. The excitement I feel at being able now to direct it at one of my favorite theaters in America is indescribable. APT’s commitment to language, and the excellent company of actors and support teams here provide us with the perfect opportunity to hear and experience this play freshly, and find ourselves somewhere inside of it.
APT’s idyllic grounds are a magnificent setting for the Italian seaside village of Messina, which inspires levity, romance and celebration. Inspired by my many months spent in Italy, our designers have been working with me for months on creating this world where, on the eve of a yearly feast in celebration of nature’s bounty, love is born. This close-knit community, centered around the house of Leonato, receives the visit of Don Pedro of Aragon and his retinue. Old flames are rekindled, and new ones are born. But of course, true love faces obstacles, some of which take a terrible toll on this family and community.
I love this play. I love its unabashed romanticism, its witty wordplay and outright physical humor. I even love its sometimes-seeming implausibility. I also believe in its inherent messages; those of forgiveness, redemption, and most importantly, love. Love has the power to transform people and to equip them with the strength they need to endure whatever trials they face. And, ultimately, to forgive those responsible for our pain. The enduring heaviness of the world and the complexity of our modern problems has left us wanting. As the media (sometimes rightfully) bombards us with terrible news from both abroad and our own back yards, we collectively yearn for some respite, and for some small moment to breathe. Perhaps even just to laugh. Laughter is essential. We are all deserving of some lightness and laughter. I hope this play offers you the opportunity to do so.
Portable Prologues Podcast
Host Orange Schroeder talks to the directors and actors to bring you background information that will make you appreciate each APT performance even more! Listen on Apple Podcast or Spotify! Produced by Buzz Kemper, Audio for the Arts.
Actors Marcus Truschinski and Jessica Ko offer their insights into the 2024 production of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing at American Players Theatre in Spring Green, Wisconsin. Enhance your experience and appreciation by listening to this lively interview before or after your theater visit.
Much Ado About Nothing Playlist
Music is a central part of our production of Much Ado about Nothing. Listen to a collection of songs that inspired the production's Sound Designer and Composer Sartje Pickett when working on the show.
Reviews
Review: American Players Theatre's "Much Ado About Nothing" brings farce and fireworks to the stage
Review: Perfect Summer Play
Review: Fresh 'Much Ado About Nothing' is giddy with love at APT
Season Select: Much Ado About Nothing
Fast Facts
Playing: Hill Theatre | June 14 - September 29
Featuring: Jessica Ko, Marcus Truschinski, Tim Gittings, Rasell Holt, Sam Luis Massaro, Samantha Newcomb, Lester Purry, Ronald Román-Meléndez, James Ridge and Triney Sandoval
Genre: Shakespeare Comedy
Last Seen at APT: 2014
Go If You Liked: The Merry Wives of Windsor (2023), Love's Labour's Lost (2022), Pride and Prejudice (2015)