"Much Ado About Nothing" by Gray Mallard Theater Company at Sociable Cider Werks

My favorite new #TCTheater summer tradition is Gray Mallard Theater Company's "Shakespeare in the Pub." Not quite in the pub, they perform in the parking lot outside of Sociable Cider Werks in Northeast Minneapolis, with a variety of ciders, beers, and non-alcoholic beverages available in their tap room, and a permanent food truck. But best of all, it's Shakespeare performed outdoors the way it was meant to be - fun, playful, professional, and free. Part of their mission is to remove the economic barrier to theater, they don't even have reservations, so you just show up and watch the show (but if you're able, consider making a donation to support their work and mission). For their 4th annual show (my 2nd year attending), they've chosen the original rom-com Much Ado About Nothing. They perform Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 7pm through August 3, and there's really nothing better than sitting outside on a gorgeous summer evening, sipping a beverage, and watching some great Shakespeare.

Much Ado About Nothing is having a bit of a moment in Midwest theater lately; this is the 4th time I've seen it in a little over a year. Both Great River Shakespeare Festival (Winona, MN) and American Players Theatre (Spring Green, WI) included it in their festivals last year, and just a few weeks ago Frosted Glass Creative performed it outdoors at Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia. But far from getting tired of it, like that favorite movie that you watch over and over again I find that I enjoy it more every time I see it. The witty banter between frenemies-turned-lovers Beatrice and Benedick really is the best, and Beatrice has so many great lines about not wanting a husband that modern women might want to memorize and pull out when necessary. But this isn't all love and comedy, there's a bit of drama too, as the good Prince Don Pedro's bastard brother Don John interferes in the impending marriage of the innocent young lovers Hero and Claudio. But never fear, the ridiculous constable Dogberry and his Night Watch are there to save the day and set everything right!

Artistic Director Amanda Fuller directs the show, bringing out all of the comedy and drama in the script, with an overall sense of fun and play. The stage is turned 90 degrees from last year, which allows for a thrust configuration with the center section of seating in the shade of the food truck (they do have some chairs and picnic tables available, or bring a lawn chair). Aisles of green turf extend through the audience, and the whole setup feels close and intimate. The minimal set includes an arch, a white picket fence, a stone fountain with no water that's great for hiding in and behind, and flowers and greenery making everything feel light and summery. 

Marci Lucht and Tony Larkin make a great Beatrice and Benedick. They're each funny and appealing on their own, with delightfully prickly chemistry together. Laila Sahir and Rayyan Khan are sweet and earnest as the young lovers Hero and Claudio. Other highlights in the cast include Andy Baldeschwiler making his #TCTheater debut as Don Pedro, Davis Brinker as the brooding Don John, a hilarious Lolly Foy as Dogberry, and Sean Michael Dooley as Hero's genial father, with a fun drunken scene (making me think we need more drunk Shakespeare!). 

Characters are dressed in modern but classic costumes - military unforms, sleek suits, and summery dresses (costume design by Philip Hoks). There's a bit of recorded and live music incorporated into the show, with some charming dancing scenes (music by Ani Tonoyan, choreography by Cooper Lajeunesse). It's all thoroughly enjoyable. If you're new to Shakespeare, this is a great way in that's accessible, easy to follow, and entertaining. Plus it's outdoors with beverages, for a fun and festive experience we only get in Minnesota's all-too-brief summer season.

the photo of a perfect summer evening
(photo credit: @cherryandspoon Instagram)