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Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing Opens Friday

A promotional image of Regent University's theater production, "Much Ado About Nothing."What does the Globe Theatre and a trailer court have in common? Believe it or not, they’re both the backdrop of William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing.

The Shakespearean comedy of trickery, misunderstandings and wit opens on Regent University’s Studio Theatre stage in the Communication & Performing Arts Center Friday, Dec. 2-4 and continues the following weekend, Dec. 9-11. Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday performances beginning at 2:30 p.m.

Purchase tickets at the University Box Office.

School of Communication & the Arts director for the production, Marianne Savell, was first inspired by the “hilarious and passionate” film adaptation of the play starring Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson.

The inspiration for Savell’s particular interpretation of the play is drawn from modern-day soldiers returning home from war.

“I’m deeply moved by them and the people waiting at home,” said Savell. “I can’t help but think of our current soldiers. We see them all around us. We know more of their plight in coming home than ever before, and I wanted to honor that. Coming home.”

True in any century, those leaving behind their tasks on the battlefield come in search to “fill the space where rougher tasks once lived.” The characters find it in a swell of mayhem and hilarity as they banter and scheme their way into love.

“Here is where we will examine the deep desire for love, the fear of intimacy and the desire to destroy others’ happiness,” said Savell. “We will love and laugh and strive with these wonderful characters, and hopefully learn something about ourselves and each other.”

Learn more about Regent University’s School of Communication & the Arts.