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Outdoor performance of 'Much Ado About Nothing' comes to Batavia

After a year hiatus, Shakespeare on Clark returns with a jazzed up production of "Much Ado About Nothing" and a jazzy new home for the summer.

Shakespeare on Clark will take up residence in the courtyard of the Batavia Fine Arts Centre, with shows at 7 p.m. Fridays through Sundays, July 24 through Aug. 9.

"This is such a win-win-win situation," said Julane Sullivan, founder and director of Shakespeare on Clark. "For the audience, it provides a wonderful experience from start to finish. They have ample parking, comfortable seating at the Centre, with no lawn chairs to lug over the bridges at Clark Island; an air-conditioned lobby to welcome them, washroom facilities on the premise, and an alternative location in the black box theater for the production to move to in the event of inclement weather.

"For BFAC, there is theater in the courtyard; something new to offer their patrons and season tickets holders; and for our production team, we are excited to see how this all works out," she said.

This year's production is "Much Ado About Nothing," set in 1920s Paris, in a jazz club. Post WWI Paris became the jazz capital of Europe.

The people of France were ready to celebrate, rebuild and redefine social norms. Prohibition, which was occurring in the United States, had no effect on Paris, and Americans were boarding canards to cross the Atlantic in an effort to celebrate freely as well.

"This seemed to be a perfect setting for 'Much Ado About Nothing,' Shakespeare's play which opens with soldiers returning from a war; followed by a fantastical masque party to celebrate," Sullivan said.

"Much Ado About Nothing" is a love story. Beatrice and Benedick refuse to admit their love for each other and need to be tricked into doing so. By the cunning plan of Prince Don Pedro, young Hero and Claudio fall instantly in love, but the jealous villainy of Dame Jeanne leads to scandalous lies and an interrupted nuptial. As with all Shakespearean comedies, all's well that ends well … and love conquers in the end and happiness ensues.

The set has been designed by Emily Hahn of Chicago and set construction by Charles Palia of Lisle and is a beautiful rendition of a 1920s Parisian jazz club.

As a special addition to the set, local artist Kai Schulte has fabricated two bar stools to resemble the Eiffel Tower. They will be used in the production and raffled off on closing night to a luck winner.

Tickets to win the functional art pieces will be sold online at www.shakespeareonclark.com as well as at the productions.

The cast features the talents of Lisa Dawn Foertsch of Downers Grove as Beatrice, and Carl Zeitler of Glen Ellyn as Benedick. Elissa Wolf of St. Charles and Michael Hudetz of Batavia as Hero and Claudio. Matt Heine of Batavia plays Prince Don Pedro; and Toria Hollyn of Carol Stream has been cast as a female version of Don John named Dame Jeanne. Her villainous sidekicks Borachio and Conrade are played by William Evensen of Batavia and Katelyn Rondinaro of DeKalb. Leonato has also been changed from a father to a mother in the show with Kathy Bright of Lombard talking on the role of Leonata. Kate Hart of Wheaton and Sarah McCanna of Chicago are playing the roles of Ursula and Margaret, and Thomas Rieser or North Aurora is playing the role of Friar.

As if the comedy needed comedic relief, the slapstick band of the "watch" is led by Craig Gustafson of Lombard as Dogberry; with Mark Dettman of Batavia as his trusty sidekick Verges. Filling out the "watch" is Margie Gustafson of Lombard, Linda A. Lindwurm of Schaumburg doubles as Friar understudy, and Michael Cook of Newark as watch and Balthasar.

Cut to just 90 minutes of fast-paced action, the production is fun, funny and family-friendly.

Tickets, $12-17, can be purchased online at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre website. A limited number of tickets is available for each performance; order early to ensure a seat. The Batavia Fine Arts Centre is at 1201 Main St., with the main entrance at Wilson Street.

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