Before us we see a villa; the green doors, striped awning, and balcony set the scene in Italy, more specifically, Messina. Filling out the stage are a high wall, covered in ivy; an orange tree; a fountain; and a garden, in full flower. Two women enter, sit down, and begin to chat while the outdoor Delacorte audience mills about. Soon the stage is alive with other characters, all speaking Italian; music actually makes the wall move. By the costumes, we can guess that the time is the late 1800’s. The audience quiets, and another magical evening of Shakespeare in the Park begins. Much Ado About Nothingis quite something, indeed.
The story revolves around two former lovers, Beatrice (Lily Rabe, very attractive and snappy in a blonde wig) and Benedick (Hamish Linklater) who snipe at each other while trying to hide an obvious attraction. Rabe and Linklater are currently a couple in real life; the sparks definitely fly between the two actors. Linklater is that rare performer who tosses off Shakespearean verse as if it were everyday language while adding humor and pathos to a character who can seem rather cloddish.
Beatrice is the niece of Leonato, the Governor of Messina, who is nicely played by the always-notable John Glover. His daughter, Hero (Ismenia Mendes) will soon marry a soldier in Benedick’s battalion, Claudio (a fresh-faced Jack Cutmore-Scott). The engagement is arranged by Benedick and Claudio’s commanding officer, Don Pedro, here played in a star turn by audience favorite Brian Stokes Mitchell, long a theater heartthrob. Mitchell has lost none of his masculine charm; it’s easy to see how he has commanded his troops to victory in their recent battle. And when he lends his rich baritone singing voice to a rendition of “Hey Nonny Nonny,” the audience members vigorously applaud in appreciation. So attractive is Mitchell that it’s hard to believe Beatrice would laughingly toss away his proposal. But by doing so, the plan to fool Beatrice and Benedick into a love connection is put into play, the better to while away the hours until Claudio and Hero can be wed.
Fun turns ugly when a plot by Don Pedro’s sinister bastard brother Don John (Pedro Pascal, every inch the mustache twirling villain) brings a vicious twist to the nuptial day. Here, Shakespeare himself bizarrely turns what has been a light hearted comedy into a wrenching tragedy which barely finds its way back into anything like mirth. Who knows why?
Director Jack O’Brien has done a spectacular job using the park itself to lend to the setting of the play. He and his noble troupe are most adept at enchanting the audience with an unforgettable interpretation of the play. Kudos all around.
