Much Ado About Nothing
Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing, which masterfully explores themes of anxiety, shame, betrayal, deception, love, and gender inequality with a witty layer of banter and romance, was brilliantly performed at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Over 2 hours and 40 minutes (including admission), the cast is outstanding, delivering unforgettable performances with vibrant energy and dazzling mastery of Shakespeare's play. Much Ado About Nothing cleverly plays on the last word "nothing," which, in Shakespeare's era, held the dual meaning of "noting;" something we would now call gossip, eavesdropping, and the art of watching and waiting —each with the potential for both friendliness or spitefulness.
The play's central theme of deception is two-fold. With playful trickery, the lead protagonist, Don Pedro, learns that Claudio is in love with Hero, and he secretly woos her love for him. At the same time, they plot to deceive Benedick and Beatrice, who have for years bantered back and forth with playful sarcasm, with false tales of love they secretly have for each other. With a delightful blend of playful trickery and clever manipulation, the lead protagonist, Don Pedro, uncovers Claudio's heartfelt affection for the beautiful Hero. Seizing the opportunity as his mentor to help the love-struck young soldier and his companion, he secretly orchestrates a scheme to win her love for Claudio. After successfully wooing Hero for Claudio, they, with the help of Leonato, conspire to play an elaborate ruse with false tales of love they secretly have for each other to ensnare the witty Benedick and the sharp-tongued Beatrice, who have spent years engaging in a spirited exchange of playful sarcasm. But Shakespeare's play adds a villainous twist; woven into the deception are the malicious deeds of Don John, who tricks Claudio, as one who has been becoming a "cuckold." Don John tells Claudio that Hero's reputation has been tarnished by sleeping with another man before their arranged marriage. Witnessing this (which is not shown in this production), Claudio publicly puts Hero to shame at the altar to protect his own honor. The mere mention of her loss of virtue would ruin her womanhood and men seeking to woo her. Even her father, Leonato, would prefer her death to the unbearable shame she brings upon their family.
Shakespeare's play masterfully provides profound insight into the dynamics of dominant masculinity over the docile femininity of women, and into how men and women are perceived differently. The mastery of this witty rom-com comes through the witty, comedic mixture he introduces into the play to disguise the dangerous dominant of men, which Shakespere showcases during one scene where after Hero is falsely shamed, Beatrice expresses her outrage for being powerlessness as a woman to take revenge on Claudio, saying, "O God, that I were a man! I would eat his heart in the market-place," highlights her frustration with being denied the power to go to war agianst Claudio as a women.
Director Selina Cadell, in collaboration with casting director Bob Mason, leads a remarkable team in bringing this extraordinary production to life on stage. Scenic and Costume Designer Tom Piper skillfully crafted the landscape, creating a stunning visual background that beautifully blends in with the cast. Production Stage Manager Jinni Pike ensures seamless coordination, and Movement Director Amber Mak infuses the performance with dynamic physical expression. At the same time, Light and Sound Designers Jason Lynch and Nicholas Pope skillfully weave together acoustic sounds that enhance the overall experience. The cast delivered an extraordinary performance, captivating the audience not only on stage but also as they engaged with the audience in the seats. Their ability to seamlessly blend with the crowd and adjust their lines to connect with individuals within the theater added a unique dimension to the experience, making it nearly impossible to identify any performance that wasn't outstanding.
Still, I must praise Sean Fortunato's performance as Dogberry, which was tantalizing, brilliantly portraying the character's comedic flair by consistently misusing words and phrases to express himself. Mark Bedard and Deborah Hay as Benedick and Beatrice were spectacular in their satirical love relationship. Debo Balogun and Samuel B. Jackson as Don Pedro and Claudio were impressive, and Jaylon Muchison's exceptional performance as Friar / Verges / Balthasar. Muchison will be performing in Chicago Shakespeare's Short Shakespeare's Hamlet in February 2026. Still, all of the actors brought a remarkable energy and charisma that left a lasting impression.
Shakespeare would be proud as Chicago Shakespeare truly hit it out of the park with this outstanding production. It's one of those spectacular plays that is captivating, offering entertaining themes and a narrative that will delight your soul with each performance. The vibrant energy, compelling performances, and beautiful staging make it a must-see in my book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Much Ado About Nothing
By William Shakespeare
Directed by Selina Cadell
Nov 14, 2025 — Dec 14, 2025.
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