Theatre at Purdue

(originally posted on Shook-isms on 4/24/09)

For those who have a free evening this weekend, I would highly recommend attending the Purdue University Theatre Division's production of "Much Ado About Nothing". The director, Gordon McCall, chose to tell the classic story in the Ybor City area in Tampa, Florida during the late 1800's. From what I can tell, the script was not changed, but the setting, design and mood have a calypso flavor.

I am not a theatre expert, but I know what I like. I did not find a weak performance in the cast. In fact just the opposite. The characters created by the actors and actresses were powerful and believable. Particularly strong were Joel Ebarb, playing Leonato, Rufus Burns, playing Claudio and Patrick Midgley as Benedick. For those of you who are regulars at the two theatres at Pao Hall, you will fondly recognize most of the cast from recent productions.

To the cast and company of "Much Ado About Nothing" and William Shakespeare, thanks for an enjoyable evening.