Much Ado

Much Ado About Nothing

By William Shakespeare

Directed by Jon Ciccarelli

"I will live in thy heart, die in thy lap,

and be buried thy eyes; and moreover,

I will go with thee to thy uncle's"

August 7-25, 2000

For the final installment of the summer Shakespeare series, HSC finished out with one of the bard's funniest comedies and a revival for the company, Much Ado About Nothing. Jon Ciccarelli directs this production set in 1700's Sicily. The story follows two paths those of Benedick (Charles J. Roby) and Beatrice (Paula Galloway), a couple previously involved with each other but now can only spar and put each other down and the young lovers of Claudio (Jon Crefeld) and Hero (Cheryl Rossillo) who are sidetracked on the way to the altar by Don John (L. Robert Johnson). Don John, jealous of his half brother's title and fortunes, plots to have his friends plans go awry and cause mayhem, by having Claudio believe that Hero has been unfaithful to him. While she hasn't her as a result denounces her in public. All is remedied in the end as the insane constable Dogberry (Duncan Pflaster) and his sidekick Verges (Jason Speckland) and their watch discover the plot and help to bring Don John and his cronies Boraccio (Carlos Fernandez) and Conrad (Carl Furst). All pictures were taken at Pier A Park, Hoboken, NJ.

Left, Boraccio (Carlos R. Fernandez) delivers word to Leonato (R.S. Call - Center) and Antonio (Frank Monte Magno) that Don Pedro are coming soon to Messina. Right, the evil Don John (L. Robert Johnson) stands aside as his victorious half brother Don Pedro (Erik Barkheimer) hugs Leonato, govenor of Messina.

Left, the enamored Claudio (Jon Crefeld) empties his heart out to his best friend Benedick (Charles J. Roby) who loathes to love. Right, Leonato's masquerade ball where the lecherous Boraccio tries to grab a dance with Margaret (Rose Marie Sinisi) who won't have anything to do with him, not just yet. Beatrice Left, Paula Galloway), Antonio, and Leonato look on.

Left, Don John empties his thoughts to his servant Conrad, the only man aside from Boraccio that he can confide in. Below Right, at Leonato's masquerade party, Beatrice (Paula Galloway) conveys her view on courtship and men to her confounded uncles and her eager to listen cousin Hero (Cheryl Rossillo).

Above, though duped into believing that Don Pedro has eyes on Hero, Claudio is led back to be matched with Hero and plan for their wedding day. However, the course of true love never did run smooth.

Bottom left, Margaret is surrounded by suitors played by Duncan Pflaster (also Dogberry), Jason Speckland (also Verges) and Joesph Sinisi (also Francis Seacole). Bottom right, Don Pedro convinces Claudio to reconsider his stance toward Hero.

Cast

Character	Actor
Benedick	Charles J. Roby
Beatrice	Paula Galloway
Boraccio	Carlos R. Fernandez
Conrad/Friar	Carl Furst
Dogberry	Duncan Pflaster
Verges	Jason Speckland
Don Pedro	Erik Barkheimer
Don John	L.Robert Johnson
Leonato	R.S. Call
Antonio	Frank Monte Magno
Claudio	Jon Crefeld
Hero	Cheryl Rossillo
Margaret	Rose Marie Sinisi
Francis Seacole	Joesph Sinisi
Watchman	Jon Ciccarelli