Much Ado About Nothing

Loved the show! Saw it twice! Performance was top-notch, actors were terrific. Hope this new company keeps up the standard on Roosevelt Island...we need you here!

I attended opening night at this production and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have to say I disagree with the reviewer's characterization of the cast and pacing as uneven. One must consider that the production takes place on all levels of the amphitheater, and even beyond. As such, I thought care was taken to ensure patrons could maneuver comfortably without missing key action and without the show feeling too drawn out. The cast was universally very strong...especially the main characters. Contrary to the reviewer's take, I did not see Artinian's Beatrice as too "buttoned up." I felt she was one of the strongest performers that night and captured Shakespeare's intention for Beatrice with considerable aplomb. All in all, I highly recommend seeing this show as soon as possible. It's a short run, so get it while it's hot.

This show was, by far, the most entertaining, captivating, and understandable Shakespeare produ ction I have ever seen. I have an extensive theater background and have performed a number of S hakespeare shows. Being that the language for the average theater-goer can get complex and the stories potentially are difficult to follow at times (due to the characters tricking one anothe r and mistaken identities), it is sometimes a frustrating experience attempting to enjoy the sh ow you purchased tickets to without fully experiencing the story. Well, this amazing, immersive production could not have better. The story fills up the entire s pace, bringing the audience in by every means (including the pleasant touch of serving wine in flasks). You can follow characters while they aren't in the main scene, but they won't be speak ing English to you....because you're in Messina, Italy. The only English you receive is from th e words of Shakespeare. Otherwise, you get bits of small Italian as well as some lovely, live m usic from the cast. This show transported my friends and me into a world of Shakespeare; an entertaining, intriguin g production of Much Ado that I would highly recommend to everyone I can. Plus, being that it's on an island, you get a feeling of truly being in a different world. Go see this show!!!