Much Ado About Nothing

Plot Synopsis • Benedick, Claudio, Don Pedro, and Don John all return from war to Leonato’s home. • Claudio tells Benedick and Don Pedro of his love for Hero. • Don Pedro promises to woo Hero on Claudio’s behalf. • Don Pedro devises a plan with Claudio, Hero, and Leonato to trick Beatrice and Benedick into falling in love with each other. • Beatrice and Benedick are successfully tricked into thinking that one loves the other. • As the marriage of Claudio and Hero approaches, Don John, with Borachio, plot to discredit Hero so that Claudio won’t marry her. • Claudio and Don Pedro fall for the trick set up by Don John and Borachio. • Claudio denounces Hero at the wedding. • Friar Francis convinces Leonato to tell everyone that Hero died. • Borachio is captured by the watchmen, who overheard his boast of the large sum that he received from Don John. • With Borachio’s confession, Hero’s good name is restored, and Leonato wants a public apology from Claudio and requires Claudio to marry Hero’s cousin. • This cousin turns out to be Hero herself, and they are married, as are Beatrice and Benedick. • The wedding party receives news of Don John’s capture. Artistic Staff Director Matthew Michael Moore Scenic Designer Robert L. Clements* Costume Designer Donald N.C. Jones* Lighting Designer Robert L. Clements* Stage Manager Timothy Carter* Assistant Stage Manager Katherine Marie Nelson* Production Manager Timothy Phipps* Vocal Coach Rebecca M. Baker* Dramaturgy Coordinator Diane Conrad Merchant* Dramaturg Kayla Renee Peterson*