If you should walk outside between now and Feb. 25 and find yourself in Provo, Utah, do two things: First, fire your travel agent; then, go see “Much Ado About Nothing” at Provo Theatre Company.
Yes, the director and some of the cast are friends of mine. But irregardlessly, this is one of the most enjoyable Shakespeare productions I’ve seen, inventive and funny and clever from beginning to end.
Christopher Clark, the director, knows his Shakespeare, believe me. Many is the time I have been edified and/or bored by Chris’ elucidations. He even lived in England for a year so he could study the art of directing Shakespeare — a good thing to learn, but such a sacrifice to learn it. (Have you ever tried to find a good restaurant in England? Forget about it.)
The cast includes such noted comedic actors as Brett Merritt, Hailey Smith and Jake Suazo. They make me laugh every time I look at them. The mark of a good Shakespeare production is whether it’s easy for a modern audience to follow the tricky language, which in turn depends on whether the actors understand their lines and deliver them in a way that conveys meaning. This entire cast speaks Bill’s dialogue as though it were their native tongue, and so the audience has no trouble following it.
I assure you, the show is hilarious. If you don’t agree, I’ll refund your money, provided you can find me, and provided I have enough cash on me, which I never do. But still, trust me, it’s funny.
Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays through Feb. 25. Tickets are $15, or $12.50 for students and seniors. Call (801) 379-0600 or visit the Web site for more info.
