Photo by Alexis Jordan
Bard & Bourbon Theatre Company stages an intimate production of Much Ado About Nothing early this month. Theatre Gigante’s cozy little studio space plays host to an informal, lightly costumed production in contemporary style with almost no scenery to distract from the classic romantic comedy. The reluctant romance between Benedick and Beatrice plays out with an emotionally economical approach that is no less compelling or enjoyable than the more elaborately flamboyant dynamic so often used. The leads approach relations between the two unlikely lovers with admirable poise. Mark Lien’s quiet comic intensity as Benedick pairs wonderfully with Reva Fox’s slyly subtle portrayal of the strikingly intelligent Beatrice.
True to the gimmick of Bard & Bourbon, alcohol is involved. Opening night, Hayley Cotton had been chosen as the one member of the cast to take multiple shots of hard liquor on stage prior to the show. Cotton has a kind of grace and precision that could present a challenge to more emotionally messy portrayals, but here she performed both the roles of matchmaker Don Pedro and one of the watchmen with delicious precision—in spite of clearly having downed a lot of alcohol prior to (and during) the performance. Also making notable appearances here are Emmitt Morgans and Brittany Curran. Morgans showed a sharp sense of humor as Dogberry, played as a contemporary police detective with a cheap mustache and a distinctive blue-collar accent. Curran plays to two extremes; she’s comically charming as the respectable old man Antonio in a loud Hawaiian shirt constantly munching on carrots and youthfully villainous as a cunningly defiant Borachio.
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Through Aug. 8 at Theatre Gigante, 706 S. Fifth St.
