Feb. 19, 2014 – Pioneer Theatre Company, Salt Lake City’s professional theater located at the University of Utah, presents the charming Shakespearean comedy Much Ado About Nothing, opening on Friday, Feb. 21 and running through March 8, 2014.
The concept for this production is unique with sets and costumes reflecting a fantasy set in King Arthur’s time. This is the first Shakespearean production under the tenure of the new artistic director, Karen Azenberg, now in her second season at the Pioneer Theatre.
Much Ado About Nothing is a romantic comedy featuring one of the most spirited battles of the sexes ever written, starring Beatrice and Benedick, two people who claim to thoroughly detest one another. But under the barbs they hurl at one another lie feelings that neither is even aware of, until circumstances bring them together to rescue their young friends.
Beatrice is played by Rebecca Watson. Watson’s Broadway and New York credits include By Jeeves, The Cocoanuts, Romeo and Juliet, and Disney’s Hercules. TV and film credits include The Big C, Deception, Law & Order, Guiding Light, All my Children and As the World Turns.
T. Ryder Smith plays the role of Benedick. Smith has appeared on Broadway in War Horse and Equus, an off-Broadway in Sarah Ruhl’s Passion Play and Dead Man’s Cell Phone. Film and TV credits include appearances on Nurse Jackie, Damages, Blue Bloods, White Collar, Law & Order: SVU and The Abolitionists. Smith provides voices for videogames and the TV series The Venture Brothers.
Guest artist Matt August directs the production. August directed all the Broadway, Los Angeles and Nationally Touring productions of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical. August directed the world premiere of Sixteen Wounded staring Martin Landau. He co-wrote the book for the Helen Hayes-nominated new musical Meet John Doe and the play Fool and Proper Wages.
For ticket information, click here.
ABOUT PIONEER THEATRE COMPANY
Pioneer Theatre Company operates under an agreement between the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States. Pioneer Theatre Company, Utah’s only fully professional theatre, performs at Roy W. and Elizabeth E. Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, located on the University of Utah campus at 300 South and 1400 East in Salt Lake City, easily accessible by TRAX light rail. Free parking is also available and the theatre is equipped with an elevator, handicap parking, hearing assistance devices and other easy-access features.