By Sandi Masori in San Diego
Every year, as the days get longer, I look forward to seeing what The Old Globe will come up with for its summer Shakespeare shows. Earlier in the year it staged Measure For Measure, and currently it’s doing Much Ado About Nothing.
But it’s not nothing at all, it’s one of the most fun plays I’ve seen in a long, long time. The original script marks it as one of Shakespeare’s comedies, but it’s director Barry Edelstein’s irreverence that makes it such a good time. I really love how he always includes anachronistic touches that make it easier to connect with the 400-year-old script.
In this production, scenic designer Lawrence E. Motem III imagines a brightly colored retro looking world and color scheme that gives 80’s Miami Vice vibes but doesn’t seem to be set in a specific time. In the printed program he describes the color scheme and decor as “acid Warhol pop.” The setting is a resort of sorts.
The story itself follows the budding romance of Hero (Stephanie Hinck) and Claudio (Ainsley Melham) who have been set up by Don Pedro (Seth Gilliam).
At the same time, Hero’s aunt Beatrice (Eden Espinosa) and Benedick (Tally Sessions) are tricked into thinking the other is in love with them.
In the meantime, the scheming Don John (Jose Balistrieri) is trying to break up Claudio and Beatrice through lies and trickery. Chaos ensues.
The non-original script details make it that much better, karaoke nights, cold plunges and personal saunas, and it might even end on a sing-along, which the audience was more than ready to join.
Costume designer Tilly Grimes’ creative costumes brought even more color and intrigue to the stage (that wedding dress!), and lighting designer Russell H. Champa’s mood lighting brought it all home.
Kudos to musician Morgan Hollingworth and his multiple instruments, which he played from a box in the balcony.
Espinosa shines as Beatrice- wow, what a voice! And oh my, but there actually was water and ice in the plunge where she hid for part of the show whilst eavesdropping, coming up quite drenched.
It was really fun to see Session’s return to the Globe. He stole the show when he was here in ‘24 for Henry 6, even though his character died early on. It was great to see him in a leading role this time.
In the beginning I was a little sad as I didn’t see one of my favorite regular bit performers, Madi Goff, who usually can be found playing a man’s role (and rocking it), but when I checked the program at intermission, I realized that they had a bigger role as Margaret, one of the hand maidens and tricksters in Don John’s deceit. So unused to seeing them in a woman’s role, and so well done was the part, that I didn’t even know it was them. What a delightful discovery.
Bringing flavors of The Godfather to the stage, Jimmy Smagula’s role may have been small but his huge personality provided much comic relief as the Police Captain Dogberry, “bada bing, badda boom!”
Another stand-out performer in a smaller role is Susane Lee who plays “kid” and “second watch.” She brought a naturalness and energy to her roles that were a joy to watch. One more actor from the second watch who really stood out was Kayce Wilson. Goff, Lee and Wilson are all part of the Old Globe/ USD Shiley Graduate Theater Program.
I could go on and on but just go see it. Yes, it’s a late night, but you will leave with a smile on your face and Whitney Houston in your ear. Really, it’s a not to be missed summer treat.
Much Ado About Nothing plays through August 30.
*
Associate Editor Sandi Masori is a theater and food reviewer for San Diego Jewish World.