MuchAdoAboutNothing is a comedy by William Shakespeare (1598-99). Set in Messina, Italy, the action occurs during several days of a visit by Don Pedro, Prince of Aragon, and his followers at the large estate of Leonato, Governor of Messina, and revolves around two romantic pairings that emerge soon after.
The first, between Claudio and Leonato’s daughter, Hero, is nearly altered by the accusations of the villain, Don John, Pedro’s bastard brother, who plots with his two men, Borachio and Conrade, to do some wickedness. In the meantime, Dogberry and his men on night watch stumble on the conspiracy and arrest John’s men, who confess their guilt under questioning. The second romance, between Claudio’s friend Benedick and Hero’s cousin Beatrice, takes centre stage as the play continues, with both characters’ wit and banter providing much of the humour. Both solemnly declare they will never marry, and through “noting” (sounding like “nothing” and meaning gossip, rumour, overhearing), Benedick and Beatrice are tricked into confessing their love for each other. The title’s play on words references the secrets and trickery that form the backbone of the play’s comedy, intrigue, and action.
For this Belen Jesuit staging, the setting and action transport the audience to the late 20th century in an Italian mediterranean villa. The songs and dances provide a refreshing, original take on the classic Shakespearean tale.
Setting: Messina, Italy (late 20th century)
WELCOME TO OUR WORLD! Theater is a special place, a very special place, a community where, driven by the joy of true self-expression and the freedom that creativity provides, we come together as one, we are all in, we master our fears, revel in artistry and rejoice in accomplishing our goal; to serve as men and women for others through our art. Just as this very special Jesuit school.
From the first day I have felt the warmth, friendliness and support of this community that I can now proudly call home. Every day I am in awe at the high standard of excellence, at the staff and teachers and their commitment and selflessness, and at the outstanding, loving, courteous and talented students all around, and especially in my classes. You can feel the empathy in every corner. Thank you Father Willie, Mr. Roca and staff for trusting and welcoming me to your special place, and for supporting theater as it should be; a special place in education.
But this one goes to my cast and crew of students. You are the reason I am here, you are the reason I work so much and so hard tirelessly to bring my best. You are the reason I am enjoying this so much; you are the reason for THIS. Your passion, talent and joy in coming here every day and having such a wonderful fun time sharing and being yourselves are what created this theater community, and what ignites the light that will make you SHINE during these performances of Much Ado About Nothing. This is your world, your special place. We’re just grateful to be welcomed into it. Now it’s your time to SHINE!
Mr. Carlos Acevedo Theater DirectorCarlos R. Acevedo is an accomplished, award-winning producer, director, writer and actor in professional stage, film and television. As the Artistic Director for his organization, Dramarama, Inc. (1994-present), Carlos has produced, directed and/or written 62 shows (in English & Spanish), with a specialty in Shakespeare works, including Hamlet , Othello , Romeo and Juliet , TwelfthNight , AMidsummerNight’sDream , MuchAdoAboutNothing , RichardIII , AsYouLikeIt.
Other credits include the World Premiere of renown author Paulo Coelho’s best-selling book adaptation Eleven Minutes , the Americas (north, south) premiere of Pedro Almodovar’s Oscar winning Film adaptation All About My Mother (Best Foreign Film), Pulitzer and Tony Award Winner AngelsinAmerica , Death of a Salesman , The Crucible , and GlengarryGlenRoss among many others. As a playwright, Carlos is the only three-time winner of the “Playwright of the Year” award by the Instituto de Cultura Puertorriqueña. This is Carlos’s first year as the Belen Jesuit Theater Director and Teacher having just moved from Jesuit Dallas where he directed/produced TheGreatGatsby , Romeo & Juliet , Of Mice And Men , Grease (the musical) and Shakespearein Love amongst others. TheOutsiders was Carlos’ first Belen production in fall 2022.
Cast A (Thu.23rd,Sat.25th,Thu.30th)
BENEDICK .................................. Giancarlo Berumen
CLAUDIO .................................... Máximo García-Tuñón
DON PEDRO ................................
Alex Sánchez
DON JOHN .................................. Miguel Pittier
DOGBERRY ................................ Máximo Granados (Sat.1st)
BORACHIO ................................. Matías Rosado
LEONATO .................................... Mauricio Arias
VERGES ...................................... Alejandro Castillo
CONRADE .................................. Anthony Pérez
FRIAR FRANCIS .......................... Anthony Pérez
BALTHASAR ............................... Alberto Sosa
BEATRICE ................................... Sophia Valenciaga
HERO .......................................... Kelly Rodríguez
MARGARET ................................
Isabelle Sosa
URSULA ..................................... Lourdes Martínez
Cast B (Fri.24th,Sat.1st)
Joseph Haring
Jorge Ros
Mattías Manzano
Michael Moreno
Gonzalo Lacayo (Sat.25th)
José Ballesteros
Aidan Suárez
Tito Suero
Lucas Arias
Anthony Pérez
Gabriel Vázquez
Isabella Rivera
Verónica Rodríguez
Isabelle Sosa
Desiree Reyes
DIRECTOR ...............................................................
VOCAL COACH/DIRECTOR ...................................
CHOREOGRAPHER ................................................
FACULTY PRODUCTION ........................................
Carlos Acevedo
Mrs. Debra Lynn Consuegra
Leonardo Alvarez (dancenumber1and2)
Rosie Ramos (dancenumber3)
Ignatian Center for the Arts Admin/Staff
Sylvie San Juan
Carlos Acevedo
Isidora Ulloa
TECH DIRECTORS ..................................................
Carlos Acevedo
Orlando García
STAGE MANAGERS ................................................
Mattías Manzano
Alexander Sánchez
SET DESIGN ............................................................
SET CONSTRUCTION & STAGEHANDS ...............
Carlos Acevedo
Stagecraft Class Students
Orlando García
Belen Jesuit Maintenance Staff
LIGHTS & SOUND DESIGNER ...............................
LIGHTS TECH ..........................................................
SOUND TECH .........................................................
PROPS & COSTUMES ............................................
Carlos Acevedo
Jorge F. Labayán
Lorenzo Saldaña
Carlos Acevedo
MAKEUP & HAIR ..................................................... Cast
PHOTOGRAPHY & ART ...........................................
Lizette Pacheco
Giancarlo (11th grade) is excited to be part of Much Ado About Nothing as Benedick. Performing at Belen for the fifth time, he played Two-Bit in Belen’s Fall 2022’s The Outsiders, Kropp in Spring 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front, and in The Complete Works of William Shakespeare Abridged (Spring 2021). Giancarlo has been active in drama since 4th grade at The Miami Children’s Theater with credits such as Into The Woods (Baker), The Little Mermaid (Prince Eric) and The Sound of Music (Kurt von Trapp). He has also received Superior Ratings and the “Critics Choice” Award at District and State Thespians Competitions. In addition to acting, Giancarlo plays percussion in the Belen Jazz Band and has formed a Jazz Trio with two Belen students in order to spread his talents for all to enjoy. He would like to thank his family for their support. He especially would like to thank Mr. Acevedo for bringing renewed energy to the drama department. He also appreciates the role of the Belen administration and Fr. Willie for the course of this production.
Joseph is a 9th grade student at Belen. He would like to thank his family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.
Sophia is a senior at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy. Her previous credits include ‘Portia’ from Julius Caesar, ensemble in Disney’s Frozen Jr., and lead role as ‘Hamlet’ from Hamlet, Prince of Denmark and Rosencrantz And Guildenstern Are Dead. She has also received a “Superior” score at both District and State Florida Thespians Festival for musical theatre. Sophia is thrilled to bring the role of ‘Beatrice’ to life on stage, and would like to thank Mr. Acevedo for the opportunity to perform at the Roca Theater. She would also like to thank the wonderful cast for the lasting memories, and her family for supporting her. She also hopes that Benedick stops talking, because no one is listening to him.
Isabella is a 10th grade student at Doral Academy. She would like to thank her family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.
Mattías is a senior at Belen Jesuit and is thrilled to be part of Much Ado About Nothing. This is his third and final production at the Roca Theater and he is very grateful for taking the stage one last time at Belen. Mattias’ previous credits include Ponyboy Curtis (The Outsiders), Paul Baumer (All Quiet on The Western Front), Kristoff (Frozen Jr.), The Mad Hatter (Alice in Wonderland Jr.), Cogsworth (Beauty and the Beast Jr.) and Michael Darling (Peter Pan Jr.). Mattias has also competed in the Florida Thespians festival, receiving a ‘Superior’ score in the District level for acting. He would like to thank his friends for putting up with all of the late nights helping him run lines, his fellow cast and crew who have become like a second family, his parents for being so loving and supportive these past few months and Mr. Acevedo for giving him this incredible opportunity. He hopes you enjoy the show!
Alexander is a senior at Belen Jesuit, who is beyond excited to bring Don Pedro to life here at the Spring show Much Ado About Nothing. Alex has participated in a number of Belen performances, including the Outsiders and All Quiet on the Western Front. As his final show at Belen, Alex would like to thank the cast for all their hard work and the fantastic times shared, his family for their infinite support, Mrs. Consuegra and the choreographers for their invaluable teachings, and Mr. Acevedo for his unyielding ambition and efforts towards the growth of the Belen theatre program. Now sit back, relax, and enjoy the show!!
Jorge is an 8th grader at Belen. He took the role of Johnny Cade in the 2022 fall production of The Outsiders. As his first year of acting comes to a close, Jorge would like to thank his whole family, Mr. Acevedo, the choreographers, and Mrs. Consuegra, and the whole cast (including Lorenzo, Emilio, Peter, and Joanne) for supporting and guiding him through this amazing experience. He wouldn’t bee here without the unbeelievable cast members. Enjoy, and don’t forget to skidoosh!
Máximo is a sophomore at Belen Jesuit. His love for the arts was pursued at a very young age, and he continues to express his passion in theatre in the Belen program.
Kelly is a junior at Divine Savior Academy. Her previous credits include ‘Jo’ in Little Women. She was also awarded a Superior at the district level Thespians for the Solo Musical category. She would like to thank her family for supporting her. She also extends a big thank you to everyone in this bee-utiful cast for this incredible experience!
Verónica Rodríguez (a freshman at Doral Academy Charter High School) is very excited to be a part of this amazing show! Her recent stage credits include Cassie in A Chorus Line and Farquaad in Shrek the Musical. She’s also been fortunate enough to be in multiple short films and web series. She would like to thank God, family and friends for always supporting her, and the entire cast as well as Mr. Acevedo for being amazing to work with! #princessjasmine #flatrat #rebecca
Michael is currently a senior and is extremely proud to be a part of this production. This will be the second show he has done. Michael performed in The Outsiders last fall is extremely grateful to Mr. Acevedo for giving him the opportunity. He is very thankful to his friends and family for their support in this endeavor.
Miguel is a 7th grader at Belen. He has participated in Legally Blonde and Shrek as an ensemble member. He also competed at Junior Theater Festival in Atlanta performing as Chip in Beauty and the Beast, and Les in Newsies. He has earned the title of superior at a district level Thespians for solo musical song. He is very excited to be playing Don John in Much Ado About Nothing. He hopes every audience member enjoys this bee-utiful presentation and remember, once you have seen more and heard more, then can you applause. Skadoosh
Mauricio is a junior at Belen who is new to acting. He simply thanks the cast for bee-ing a part in this bee-utiful production, the director Mr. Acevedo, and the opportunity to play the role of the esteemed Leonato (the best character, and best pollentician as the governor). He would also like to thank the reader for trying to figure out if these bee puns are worth laughing or scoffing at, either way, he describes them as “being punny”. Skidoosh
Aidan is a senior at Belen Jesuit and will be making his acting/theatre debut with this very show! Aidan has always been accustomed to the arts, having interests in art history and music, while also playing drums for the Belen Jazz Band, Drum-line, and Pep Band, as well as in his own independent band “Marabella.” Aidan had a desire to further expand his artistic interests beyond art and music, which ultimately led him to approach theatre and audition for this show, where he landed the role of “Leonato.” He is very excited to portray this character and would like to thank all his friends and family for their constant support of his endeavors, as he would not be here without them!
Gonzalo is a 7th grade student at Belen Jesuit. He would like to thank his parents, friends, and Mr. Acevedo for giving him this amazing opportunity to participate in this play. He has really connected with the older cast members and formed new bonds with others. This is his second ever on-stage performance after TheOutsiders last fall, and it’s definitely one to remember.
Máximo is an 8th grade student at Belen. He would like to thank his family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.
José is a freshman at Belen Jesuit. José’s previous experience in a play was in 6th grade in a minor role, and then last fall he got the opportunity to perform as Dallas in The Outsiders. He would like to give a special thank you to his mom for being empathetic in this difficult year as a new Student at Belen Jesuit.
Matías is a sophomore at Belen who joined the theatre scene in Belen this fall and is excited to share his second play here with such a great cast. He is grateful to Mr. Acevedo for choosing him to be in this amazing production. He is also grateful for his family’s support, especially his sister, who introduced him to theatre and inspired him to take part in this Belen production.
Lourdes is a senior at Saint Brendan High School. Her previous credits include Stage Crew Manager in Aladdin Jr., Stage Crew and ensemble in Hairspray, and Marcia/Nurse in “The Outsiders” at Belen. Additionally, Lourdes has earned a Superior in Playwriting at the district level Thespians, and an Excellent in Playwriting at both district and state level. She would like to thank her family, friends, and cast for all their love and support throughout these last few months in preparation for MuchAdoAboutNothing. Lastly…go ahead, say amen.
DESIREE REYES (URSULA)
Desiree is a freshman at Saint Brendan High School. She started her career with ballet in “Annie”. She has won multiple awards in musical theater and starred in West Side Story as Maria. She is so grateful for all the teachers and friends she met throughout the way. She’d like to thank her parents, family, and friends for always believing in her. Also to thank her cast mates who also include Lorenzo, Emilio, and Peter. She couldn’t be here without these people beecause they beelieve in her.
ISABELLE SOSA (MARGARET)
Isabelle is a senior at Saint Brendan High School. She would like to thank her family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.
ALBERTO SOSA (BALTHASAR, WATCHMAN)
Alberto is a 9th grade student at Belen. He would like to thank his family and the cast for their warm welcome and all the fun.
GABRIEL VÁZQUEZ (BALTHASAR, WATCHMAN)
Gabriel is a sophomore who is excited to participate in his first play. He would like to thank Mr. Acevedo and the cast for being patient and awesome. He would also like to thank his family for their help. He also wants to give special thanks to Lorenzo De Toro for supporting the entire cast.
ANTHONY PÉREZ (CONRADE, FRIAR FRANCIS)
Anthony is a senior at Belen who wants to thank his family, friends, and the cast for giving him the opportunity to make his second on-stage performance after TheOutsiders last fall.
LUCAS ARIAS (CONRADE)
Lucas is a 7th grader at Belen and has worked in many theater productions in and outside Belen, including 3 Solos in School Of Rock The Musical at Coral Gables Community Theater. His latest performance has been at the District level Thespians for acting (duet comedy), winning superior. “Big thanks to my family and friends for supporting me and my fellow cast members for cheering me on and helping with lines, dances and singing.”
ALEJANDRO CASTILLO (VERGES)
Alejandro is a 6th grade student at Belen. He had a great experience working with his friends to create a wonderful show for you all. This has also been a great learning experience considering he has never really acted in a play before. He thanks you for supporting the cast by being here today. Enjoy the show!
TITO DAVID SUERO (VERGES)
Tito is a 6th grade student at Belen. Playing Verges in Belen Jesuit’s production of the Shakespearean play Much Ado About Nothing is his first ever theatre experience. He has thoroughly enjoyed rehearsals. In fact, preparing for this play has been one of the coolest things in which he’s participated in as a 6th grader. Participating in this play has greatly helped him improve his public speaking skills and taught him that no real victory comes without hard work.
To Fr. Guillermo García-Tuñón, Mr. José Roca, Administration, faculty and staff for the full support, and for welcoming me to this wonderful school that is Belen Jesuit. May this be your pride and joy!
To Orlando García, Lorenzo Saldaña, Jorge Labayán and crew for all the attention, initiative, work and support in making our theater a worthy and beautiful performing space. We couldn’t have done it without your outstanding work helping with the set and tech. Orlando, thanks for taking upon yourself the commitment to do whatever is needed and always be present to assist.
To Sylvie San Juan, Humanities Department Chairperson & Saladrigas Gallery Director, for the guidance, support and mentoring, and to Isidora Ulloa for all her essential assistance and for your love of theater.
To Debbie Consuegra for saying yes and bringing such enthusiasm and amazing talent to prepare our cast. Much gratitude for all you did.
To all Mr. Acevedo’s Stagecraft students, this work is as much yours as ours. Now you can see you are all artists!
To our wonderful and outstanding cast, keep having the time of your lives. SHINE!
