RIPON, Wis. – The Ripon College Theatre Department will bring “Much Ado About Nothing,” one of Shakespeare’s best-loved comedies, to the stage at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31 – Nov. 3 in the Benstead Theatre of Ripon College’s Rodman Center for the Arts.

   “Much Ado” is not about nothing; it really is about a great many things. It explores the landscape of love from infatuation to the deepest of sacrifice. It also looks at gossip, slander, deception and trust, and explores the issue of romantic love contrasted with love of one’s friends and comrades. But at its conclusion, Shakespeare states that “man is a giddy thing” and that the marriage of Beatrice and Benedick’s true hearts and minds of will conquer all.

   The Ripon College production sets the play in 1840 in the time when California was still a part of Mexico but was bursting at the seams with people from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. It was a time of swordplay, territorial battles, passionate music and family honor – one that Shakespeare would certainly recognize. 

   Tickets for “Much Ado About Nothing” are free but should be reserved by calling 920-748-8791, as seating is limited for this great romantic comedy.

CAST

About Ripon College
Ripon College, founded in 1851, prepares students of diverse interests for lives of productive, socially responsible citizenship. Ripon’s liberal arts curriculum and residential campus create an intimate learning community in which students experience a richly personalized education. Ripon has been recognized as a “best value” and “Best 361 College” by The Princeton Review, a “Best Buy in College Education” by Barron’s, and among the 160 best schools in the nation by Colleges of Distinction. For more information about Ripon College, visit www.ripon.edu.

Colette Unger and Ross R. Heintzkill make 'Much Ado'