Much Ado About Nothing

Although best-known for the “merry war” of wits between central lovers Benedick and Beatrice, Much Ado About Nothing offers a grand celebration of love and relationships in their many and varied forms, resulting in one of the most well-loved of all Shakespearean romantic comedies. Coming to Hillsboro from Glasgow’s Bard in the Botanics, Gordon Barr’s take on the script turns Benedick and Beatrice into contemporary partners Benedick and Bertram, inviting us into the alternately witty and barbed banter of their relationship. Bag&Baggage’s production takes Barr’s concept one step further, exploring love and its many facets with a fluid approach to gender. While everyone plots to make Bertram and Benedick fall for each other, Don John, the misanthrope of the story, contrives a much more malicious plan, sobering what otherwise might simply be a romp of repartee and romance. Still, the lovers win out, Don John is exposed (through some hilarious and haphazard detective work), and everyone finds a way to live happily ever after, reminding us that love is love is love is love.

Runs 07/11/19 - 07/28/19

Run Time 120 minutes, including 1 intermission(s)

Recommended for ages 13+

All shows (except where indicated) are General Admission.

The auditorium opens for seating approximately 45 minutes prior to curtain. Box office opens 1 hour prior to curtain.

Due to the intimate nature of our space, absolutely NO LATE SEATING will be allowed for any reason. Please ensure you arrive on time for the performance.

Pay What You Will Previews: The first Thursday of a show run. Cash is preferred.

Magazine Lecture Series: Every Friday prior to the performance starting at 6:45 PM.

Hughes Night Out!: Every first Saturday of a show run 1 hour prior to the performance.

Silver Screen Saturdays: Every second Saturday of a show run in the afternoon prior to the performance that evening.

Brave Space: Every final Sunday of a show run in the morning prior to the matinee that afternoon.

Post-show Discussions & Talk-backs: After the first and second Sunday matinees immediately following the performance, with any participating cast & crew members.