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Danielle Brooks and More in Rehearsal for Much Ado About Nothing

Kenny Leon directs a new Shakespeare in the Park production of Shakespeare’s comedy.

The Public Theater has released rehearsal photos of its new Shakespeare in the Park production of Much Ado About Nothing, beginning May 21 at the Delacorte Theater. Directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, the beloved comedy will officially open on June 11 and will run through June 23.

Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Danielle Brooks, and Margaret Odette rehearse Much Ado About Nothing.
Tiffany Denise Hobbs, Danielle Brooks, and Margaret Odette rehearse Much Ado About Nothing.
(© Joan Marcus)

The cast of Much Ado About Nothing will include Jamar Brathwaite (Ensemble), Danielle Brooks (Beatrice), Grantham Coleman (Benedick), Chuck Cooper (Leonato), Javen Crosby (Ensemble), Denzel Fields (Ensemble), Jeremie Harris (Claudio), Tayler Harris (Ensemble), Erik Laray Harvey (Antonio, Verges), Kai Heath (Ensemble), Daniel Croix Henderson (Balthasar), Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Friar Francis, Sexton), Tiffany Denise Hobbs (Ursula), Lateefah Holder (Dogberry), LaWanda Hopkins (Dancer), Billy Eugene Jones (Don Pedro), Margaret Odette (Hero), Hubert Point-Du Jour (Don John), Jaime Lincoln Smith (Borachio), Jazmine Stewart (Ensemble), Khiry Walker (Conrade, Ensemble), Olivia Washington (Margaret), and Latra A. Wilson (Dancer).

Chuck Cooper, director Kenny Leon, and LaWanda Hopkins rehearse Much Ado About Nothing.
Chuck Cooper, director Kenny Leon, and LaWanda Hopkins rehearse Much Ado About Nothing.
(© Joan Marcus)

Leon directs what is described as "a bold new take on Shakespeare's cherished comedy of romantic retribution and miscommunication, Much Ado About Nothing. In this modern production, we find the community of Messina celebrating a break from an ongoing war. But not all is peaceful amid the revelry, as old rivals engage in a battle of wits, unexpected foes plot revenge, and young lovers are caught in a tumultuous courtship — until love proves the ultimate trickster, and undoes them all."

The company rehearse Much Ado About Nothing.
The company rehearse Much Ado About Nothing.
(© Joan Marcus)