Much Ado About Nothing

Arlington Children’s Theater presents Much Ado About Nothing. Featuring a cast of young thespians ages 12 to 17, this production premieres at Arlington’s Masonic Temple. In keeping with a tradition of updating Shakespeare’s works for younger audiences, ACT’s Much Ado sets the Bard’s classic characters in a high-school cafeteria in 2007, complete with jocks, preps, nerds, cheerleaders and lunch ladies.

Though the setting is contemporary, ACT’s version of the play preserves Shakespeare’s vibrant language and plot twists, star-crossed lovers and secret alliances, crafty disguises and vile betrayals, as well as a malicious whispering campaign. There’s mischief everywhere, but of course all comes out right in the end. The audience will feel very much a part of the production as they take their seats in the cafeteria (but no tater-tot tossing, please).

Colleen Rua directs.