The Queens Players to Present MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, 2/14-3/2

The Queens Players' and Secret Theatre's Richard Mazda [Edward II, MacBeth, Othello, Knight of the Burning Pestle, Dr Faustus], once again brings a unique style and concept to a beloved Shakespeare piece, MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING with a fantastically talented team of designers; Beth Williams, Helen Ammon, Casey Rowe and John Michael Creenan helping to create a unique Trash Period world who with an extremely talented cast will bring the funny in William Shakespeare's beloved comedy. Our Benedict is noted Actor/Director/Teacher, Alberto Bonilla* who collaborated with the director and hosted Clown workshops for the cast. Although there are no red noses, the deep insights that clown elements bring to the show are self evident.

Balthazar is played by Jamey Grisham* who is also our musical director. The songs and music fuse Elizabethan madrigal, bluegrass and classical elements.

Mazda's Much Ado takes us to a street strewn with boxes where Leonato's cardboard dwelling is the best on the street and where everyday objects are casually thrown away.

In our repurposed world, everyday scrap becomes a crucial letter and the abstracted background compliments dazzling verbal duels between Benedick and Beatrice. The language of the play reveals hilarious double-entendre's that drop at a cracking pace which shows us Shakespeare's keen sense of humor.

The Queens Players' production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING features noted Director/Actor Alberto Bonilla* [Benedick/Clown consultant], Rebecca Hirota [Beatrice], Connie Castanzo, Andy Derado, Sabrina Friedman-Seitz, Jamey Grisham*, Josh Laird, Cari McHugh, Blake Merriman, John C. Nagy III, Joseph Parks*, Cliff Miller, Ralph Petrarca*, Blaine Smith, Alexander Stine, C.L Weatherstone & Megan Greener.

*Appearing courtesy of Actors' Equity Association in an Equity approved showcase

Performances of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING are February 14th - March 2nd, Thursday through Saturday @ 8pm Sunday, 2/17 @ 7pm Additional performance on Sunday, Feb 24th @ 3pm at The Secret Theatre 4402 23rd St. (at 23 St. and 44th Avenue) LIC, NY. At Court Square on the E, M, G and 7 train. Tickets are $18. To purchase tickets, visit www.secrettheatre.com.

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