The Actors Shakespeare Company put on a tremendously enjoyable performance of Much Ado About Nothing last month at the DeBaun Auditorium at Hoboken’s Stevens Institute of Technology.
What makes ASC different than most troupes performing Shakespeare is their commitment to recreate the theater the way Shakespeare intended. Colette Rice, ASC’s artistic director, as well as the very witty "Beatrice" in Much Ado About Nothing, has led the charge to make the audience another member of the troupe. Lights are kept on in the auditorium during the play because all performances in Shakespeare’s time took place during the day.
"It catches you by surprise. Like all of Shakespeare’s best works it has a lot of comedy and tragic elements," Rice said. "We have a good time in this play. Much Ado is a play that is extremely hopeful."
The performers often spoke directly to the audience, breaking down the imaginary wall most modern performances build between the stage and the audience. ASC also works from Shakespeare’s first folio texts, preserving the original intentions of the writer and director.
"Presenting plays as Shakespeare would have wanted it is actually becoming a counter-revolution of sorts," Rice said. "Presentations work best in the original style, though the popular thing to do is ‘modernize’ the production. The difference is in the relationship between the actor and the audience, and the actor and the words."
The play did not disappoint. To get the audience in the right mood, ASC started with pre-show activities a half-hour before the production in the lobby area of the theater. This was also a part of Elizabethan performances. There was swordplay amongst the performers, juggling and singing. The pre-show was fun and silly, and fit perfectly before a play such as Much Ado About Nothing.
The show itself captured a fun and easy mood. Rice and Brian McFadden, as "Benedick," two characters secondary to the plot but important to the performance, shined. They received laughs throughout the play, and when McFadden spoke to the audience I really felt I was his fellow conspirator. Their stage chemistry was very evident, making me forget I was watching a play instead of two people really interacting.
"Dogberry," played by Ron McClary, was also a highlight of the show. He delivered his lines with such flavor and enthusiasm I’m surprised I didn’t see people rolling in the aisles.
Others characters who didn’t have such blatantly funny lines offered their support throughout the play. "Don Pedro," played by Timur Kocak, lived up to his part exceedingly well. It was interesting to see everyone wear beautiful costumes, true Elizabethan dresses and gentlemen’s wear. "Don Pedro," the prince, was outfitted in the most unflattering pants of anyone on stage to add to the play’s comedic theme.
ASC will continue its 2002-2003 season with The Three Musketeers and Romeo and Juliet in March. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students and seniors), and all performances take place at the DeBaun Auditorium. It is well worth the money. I’ll be there next March.
For directions or box office information call (201) 216-8937 or visit www.debaun.org.