Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which recently won the 2008 Regional Tony Award, will present the world premiere of Funk It Up About Nothin’, an “ad-rap-tation” of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing in the Carl and Marilynn Thoma Theater, June 25-August 3.
From the minds behind The Bomb-itty of Errors, the show opens on international hip-hop superstars MC Don Pedro and his crew as they emerge victorious from their long tour with a record number of rap battles. With a live DJ, Shakespeare’s romantic comedy is transformed into a hip-hop celebration.
The cast will feature creators/directors GQ and JQ, Jackson Doran, and Elizabeth Ledo. The remaining cast will be announced at a later date. The design team will include Brian Sidney Bembridge (set design), Debbie Baer (costume design), and Ryan Davies (lighting design).
Since the success of The Bomb-itty of Errors, seen onstage at CST in 2002, GQ and JQ have committed themselves to translating the complete works of William Shakespeare into the hip-hop idiom.
For more information, call 312-595-5600 or visit chicagoshakes.com.
