University Theatre opens “Much Ado About Nothing” this week, bringing William Shakespeare’s sparkling romantic comedy to the stage in a lively, student-driven production.
The play centers on Beatrice and Benedick, two strong-willed characters who insist they have no interest in love or marriage — especially not with each other. As their friends scheme to push the sharp-tongued pair toward romance, lies and misunderstandings threaten the nuptials of young lovers Hero and Claudio.
Directed by Professor Baron Kelly, the student ensemble features Malika Daikawa as Beatrice and Logan Vennemann as Benedick. Daikawa, a senior majoring in communication arts as well as theater and drama, relishes the role’s verbal sparring. “We have so much fun together,” Daikawa told the Capital Times recently. “When we’re bantering on stage, I really find the joy in insulting him. I have fun getting the zingers in.”
Kelly, a Vilas Distinguished Achievement Professor in the School of Education’s Department of Theatre and Drama, has set the production in the Edwardian era, a time marked by strict social expectations for men and women. A minimalist, open set allows the actors to focus on storytelling and language, while Kelly and voice and speech coach Colleen Conroy have emphasized making Shakespeare’s text clear and accessible.
“It’s definitely a challenge,” said Vennemann, a freshman majoring in physics and astrophysics, speaking in the Capital Times preview about the demands of Shakespeare’s language and precise dialogue.
As the play shifts from lighthearted comedy to darker moments of deception, the production highlights how easily misunderstandings can spiral. In the end — in true ‘rom-com’ style — love triumphs with wit, merriment, and charm.
University Theatre’s “Much Ado About Nothing” runs April 16–26 in the Ronald E. Mitchell Theatre in Vilas Hall. Tickets are available at artsticketing.wisc.edu or by calling 608-265-2787.