FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2000

Saint John Theatre Company Launches 2000-2001 Season With "Much Ado About Nothing"

William Shakespeare’s comic tale of mischief, masquerades and matrimony is on its way to the Imperial Theatre.

The Saint John Theatre Company, one of the most dynamic and successful amateur theatre troupes in the Maritimes, will present Much Ado About Nothing on November 24th and 25th. It is the first production in the Company’s 2000-2001 season.

"Much Ado is a romantic comedy which tells the story of two couples and the complicated paths they take to find true love," says Stephen Tobias, who is directing and performing in the play. "The language is wonderful. The narrative, which changes so rapidly and so often, is full of surprises."

The main characters are Beatrice (Elizabeth Chase) and Benedick (Tobias), rivals united only by their contempt for marriage. They find themselves defenseless against Cupid, however, when a few pranksters plot to make them fall in love.

Shakespeare penned the play a few hundred years ago, of course. But Tobias chose to set this production in late 19th century Sicily.

"There is such a sense of vendetta and ancient grudges in the play," he explains. "That, coupled with the extremely high passions of the characters, makes me think of Sicily at a time when the modern world had not completely taken over the island. It’s very clear that the lines of authority are based not on a code of law, but on family ties and relationships."

Much Ado About Nothing features well-known local performers such as Robert McLardy and Peter Gilchrist. But it will also introduce several talented newcomers, including Saint John High students Emily Bartlett (Hero) and Susan Willis (Margaret). Both young women have already distinguished themselves with performances in Shakespearean productions at their school.

The costumes promise to be stunning. Brenda McLeese, a professional designer who has created magnificent costumes for Theatre New Brunswick and Opera New Brunswick, is bringing her talents to this production. She is working with the Saint John Theatre Company as part of the group’s Guest Artist program.

Much Ado About Nothing runs on the evenings of November 24th and 25th at 8 PM. Tickets are $20.50 apiece, including service charges. There will be a matinee for seniors at 2 PM on November 25th. Students of all ages, meanwhile, are invited to watch a dress rehearsal at 8 PM on Wednesday, November 22nd.

Anyone who would like to get more information or purchase tickets should call the Imperial Theatre box office at (506) 674-4100 or 1-800-323-SHOW (7469).

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