A COMEDY WITH SONG & DANCE, AND A MODERN TWIST

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)

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

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 Director

DIRECTOR’S BIO

Carlos 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.