2010 Miracle Yearbook

WINTER PLAY Q igh no more, lady, sigh no more—Much Ado was a smashing success! This year's winter play was filled with laughter, romance, heartbreak, betrayal, and dancing! Director Matthew Moore chose to take the beloved Shakespearean play—traditionally set in Sicily—and drop it into the middle of the 1940s in Charleston, South Carolina. For half an hour before the show began, Claudio actor Jovane Caamario acted as emcee to a pre- show, which is a form of entertainment for the audience that was the norm for Shakespeare's own time. Early on in the show, a ball is held at the governor's home, where Claudio falls in love with the governor's daughter Hero(Stephanie Anderson). Contrasting this sweet young romance is another pair—Hero's feisty cousin Beatrice(Rachel Schemer)and the witty young soldier, Benedick (Jordan Hickling). Witty banter and sparks fly between these two, and Hero and Claudio soon hatch a scheme to bring the pair together. Unfortunately, they aren't the only schemers. The prince's illegitimate brother, Don John (Josiah Smith)is plotting the whole while to destroy Claudio's happy romance. Throughout the rest of the play, lies are told, mistakes are made,insults are thrown,and kisses are shared. Much Ado About Nothing was a delight for all the senses,from the melodic sounds of the jazz music to the aesthetic beauty of the swing dancing and the impressive sets. The result was an unforgettable show that had audiences flocking into the DeVries Theatre. Beatrice actress, Rachel Schemer, said about the experience,"Much Ado has always been one of my favorite plays, and it was great to be able to work with Matt Moore. It's fun to play someone like Beatrice, a heroine that is so spunky and independent, even though she has a soft side too." All who attended will agree, the show was goody goody for you and goody goody for me! Rachel Sherner tried to hide under the bench, unaware that Jessica Hickling and Stephanie Anderson already know she's listening.