Mauckingbird Theatre Company is committed to producing professional
gay-themed theatre at their off Broad Street location of First Baptist Church,
1636 Sansom Street. Their production of Much Ado About Nothing brings together
an ensemble cast of 11 young men and two women to cast a different light on Shakespeare’s
classic. And the light is brilliant and
refreshing and at the same time sweet and sensitive. I have twice seen the original
version of Shakespeare’s young love, trickery, and tomfoolery but nowhere have I
seen it better performed. Cameron Slusser and Griffin Back, as the young men
Hero and Claudio, give excellent performances of young lovers, a scorned lover,
and a falsely accused. Matt Tallman
and Sean Thompson as Benedick and Beatrice, two men who have foresworn affairs
of the heart, give strong performances as men who have been tricked into
falling in love with each other. Barrymore award winning actress Cheryl Williams
demonstrates her award winning capabilities in her enactment of Leonato. Kudos must be given to
Marie Anne Chiment, Costume Designer, for the innovative attire. Mauckingbird’s
Much Ado About Nothing runs through
August 26. This is a must see production for Shakespeare lovers and non-lovers
alike. For more information or tickets
call 215-923-8909 or visit online at www.mauckingbird.org
