Much Ado About Nothing

This article was published on 07.11.02

Any production of Much Ado About Nothing rises or falls on the performers playing Benedick and Beatrice, the witty opponents who start the play swearing that they’ll never get married—to anybody, period. But that can be a dangerous thing to say, whether in a comedy or in real life.Beatrice, in the Sacramento Shakespeare Festival’s production, is played winningly by community actress Jenni Stephenson, who comes out swinging with sharp remarks in her first scene, yet makes her sudden change of heart believable. And she’s every bit as decisive in love as she was in derision—watch her big eyes and limber moves during the big kiss when antagonism gives way to affection.

Benedick, played by Jon Jackson (who came out of the UC Davis drama program), is almost constantly in motion, and unlike some actors in the part, there’s very little condescension behind his motor-mouth tendencies.

Good supporting performances come from Ed Gyles Jr. as bad guy Borachio, and Paj Crank as Claudio—always a tough part, since the character jumps to conclusions with disastrous consequences, but needs to remain sympathetic.

Director Kim McCann, as ever, has the particulars of each scene scoped out; the story flows along naturally, and McCann works in quite a few neat little comic flourishes along the way. The production’s look—England circa 1826, with long skirts for the women, formal wear for the men and elaborate hats for all—has lots of visual appeal and fits in smoothly with the text.

Much Ado About Nothing

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