Shakespeare gets a Southern twang

Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing," a comedy about mistaken identities and misleading conversations, originally takes place on the island of Sicily, but it will get a change of setting when the National Players perform it at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Harper College.

"We set the play in the deep South during the Dixieland era in the early part of the 20th century," said director Clay Hopper. "The time period and its social mores are similar to Shakespeare's original Renaissance time period, where there is a strong emphasis on marital status."

The play is about Beatrice and Benedick, a pair of would-be lovers who have engaged in a war of wits. They have disguised their true feelings for one another and have help causing a tangled web of obstacles on their path to the altar.

Costumes are from the Dixieland Jazz period, according to Hopper, and several are vintage pieces.

Founded in 1949, the National Players is celebrating its 61st season and performs across the country. The actors play multiple roles onstage and off as managers and technicians.

"Much Ado About Nothing" will be performed in the College's Performing Arts Center, 1200 W. Algonquin Road, Palatine. Tickets are $15 for general admission, with discounts for students, faculty, staff and seniors.

For tickets, call (847) 925-6100 or visit harpercollege.edu.