Lakewold Gardens and Theater Artists Olympia are pleased to present Much Ado About Nothing. This abridged version of one of the most revered classical comedies is not your standard Shakespeare; rather, the mood is light, fun and a bit zany!

Set in Messina, Italy at the estate of Leonato, Governor of Italy, the story revolves around two romantic pairings: Count Claudio and Hero (Leonato’s daughter) who find their budding courtship derailed by the villainous Don John; and eternal bachelor Benedick and confirmed spinster Beatrice who are duped into believing the other is madly in love with them. As with all of Shakespeare’s comedies, witty banter, mistaken identities, confusion and mischief eventually resolve and lead to a happy ending.

The family-friendly performance features a small troupe of just nine actors who will portray the numerous roles, sometimes donning a wig or a hat to denote the difference between characters in our fast-paced production. The duration of the play is approximately 80 minutes. With the backdrop of Wagner House, the fragrant gardens and sweeping lawns, Lakewold makes an ideal setting for the play and an enchanting summer outing!