Shasta College

Shakespearean Play - Much Ado About Nothing

“Thou and I are too wise to woo peaceably”Romance, wit, and mistaken identities fuel this new staging of Shakespeare’s beloved comedy of tricks! Don Pedro’s army has just returned home victorious after the war. Love is in the air, even as two of history’s most tumultuous couples—Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero—volley hilarious quips and damning accusations back and forth. Will the truth win in this mischievous game of love? Find out in this dazzling, music-filled production directed by Miriam A. Laube, who brings her 17 seasons of OSF experience to this Shakespeare favorite, lighting up the Allen Elizabethan Theatre all summer.

While its title suggests a frivolity with little consequence, it is in fact a container for much deeper themes. It is a comedy with a song of sorrow. It is a comedy that poked at the patriarchal structures of the day and how dangerous it could be for women. It is a comedy with a death and a resurrection. It is a comedy that at its core is filled with such hope. Hope that love is attainable, hope that we can find those we thought lost, hope that forgiveness is possible, and hope for that ever-elusive second chance.

Shakespeare gives us these two extraordinary sets of lovers. At the center are our young lovers, Claudio and Hero, who in fact must walk through a valley of death for the possibility of forgiveness and a new beginning.

As a counterpoint he gives us the indelible Beatrice and Benedick. The prototype for all romantic comedies to come. The witty, smart, combatants with a history. Theirs is a journey toward a vulnerable heart, to a moment of bravely revealing themselves to each other. This brings them to a deeper understanding that from their vulnerable hearts comes strength and integrity, both for their personal relationship and for the community. In fact, the moment the play moves toward tragedy, it is Benedick’s admission and revelation to Beatrice that shifts the momentum back to possibility:  “I do love nothing in the world so well as you. Is not that strange.” And Beatrice’s eventual admission and revelation in reply, “I love you with so much of my heart that none is left to protest.”

That simple exchange always fills hearts with such glee and wonder. It is beautiful and brave and funny and true. It gives our lovers the possibility of a radiant second chance.  This is what the production we will aim toward. One that honors Shakespeare’s elegant exchange and excavates what is beautiful and brave and funny and true, and poses the question that Shakespeare himself was obsessed with: “Is forgiveness possible?”

Date: Saturday, June 22, 2024

Important Registration Deadline: please register by May 1. 

Schedule:

• 1:45pm to 2:00pm: Load the motor coach at the Redding Main Campus North Parking Lot and Depart from Redding.
• NOTE: We will be going directly to Ashland from Redding. We will not be going to Red Bluff. Red Bluff passangers will need to come to the Redding Campus for departure. 
• 4:30pm–7:00pm: Drop off in downtown Ashland for free time to explore, shop, dine, stroll through Lithia Park, etc.
• 7:15-7:45pm: Load motor coach. Drop off at the Allen Elizabethan Theatre to check in, pick up tickets, find seats, etc.
• 8:00pm-10:30pm: Enjoy the play
• 10:45-11:00pm: Load the motor coach and depart (no dinner stop on way back)

Return: Sunday, approx 1:30am, scheduled to arrive back in Redding. 

Location: Allen Elizabethan Theatre, Ashland, OR

Travel Host: Darlene Montgomery

Fee: $130 (includes ticket of admission to play)

Please Read: click here to view refund policies - 

https://www.shastacollege.edu/about/economic-workforce-development/community-education/important-information/