University Theatre will present William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Directed by Kristin Kundert-Gibbs and featuring original live music, performances will be April 9-11 and 15-18 at 8 p.m. and April 19 at 2:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Theatre.
Tickets are $16, $12 for students, and can be purchased online at http://drama.uga.edu/box-office, by phone at 706-542-4400 or at the Performing Arts Center or Tate Student Center box offices.
A special matinee for area schools will be held April 14 at 10 a.m.
Inspired by a Mumford and Sons song that references a key line from the play, this production features eight musical numbers, four in the original text and four added. The songs will be performed by a live band.
“The music feels like the play to me-it mixes sadness and joy; it is as rough-hewn as the planks of Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; it speaks to all generations,” said Kundert-Gibbs, an associate professor of acting in the theatre and film studies department of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences.
Much Ado About Nothing is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies. Shakespeare never wrote a musical, but his plays often contain songs.
“His plays are filled with musical numbers and discussions about the beauty and ability of music to move the soul,” Kundert-Gibbs said.
