Music Theatre of Wenatchee

The Short Shakespeareans Present:
Much Ado About Nothing
Directed by Kelly Atwood
Performances:  August 4-6 & 11-13, 2016 at 7:00 PM
Matinees:  August 6 & 13, 2016 at 2:00 PM
Riverside Playhouse
Tickets Available at the Numerica Performing Arts Center

For the 38th season of The Short Shakespeareans, director Kelly Atwood promises Shakespeare with a healthy serving of sauce, hijinks and fun.

For the first time in its 38-year run, Short Shakes debuts a new play: “Much Ado About Nothing". Atwood directs a cast of 28 youth ranging in age from toddler to teenager in this romantic comedy. Show dates are Aug. 4-6 and 11-13 with 2 p.m. matinees Aug. 6 and 13. Evening shows start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 seniors and $8 kids and are available at the Riverside Playhouse door and in advance at the Numerica Performing Arts Center, 663-2787.

Considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, “Much Ado About Nothing” combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame and court politics. Atwood is going for the belly laughs and her young protégés are delivering.

“I am seeing a lot of funny stuff,” Atwood said. “For me, it’s all about the kids. They come up with great stuff on their own. I just try to make sure they understand the language. I am learning right along with them.”

This year’s cast includes: Parker Smith as Don Pedro, Peyton Smith as Don John, Noah Monson as Claudio, Mason Atwood as Benedick, Eloise Sheets as Leonato, Abby Danko as Hero, Olive Ryan as Beatrice, Amilia Felker as Antonia, Cheyenne Mckee as Margaret, Dorian Smith as Ursula, Owen Clare as Borachio, Soraya Martinez as Conrade, Olivia Noyd as Dogberry, Kade Devereaux as Verges, Megan Kavanaugh as Friar Francis, Carly Ostrem as Rowena and T.J. Clare as a Sexton. Ladies of Hero are Lauren Bixby, Alora Martinez, Kai Korfiatis, Izely White and Holly Edwards. Watchmen are Kian Korfiatis, William Tiffany, Mikah Korfiatis, Dezmond White, Leo Tiffany and Kaya Mckee. Messengers are T.J. Clare and Kaya Mckee. Student director is Maddy Atwood.

For more information about this year’s production, please call 670-8495.