Owen Sound Little Theatre today announced that live theatre is returning to Owen Sound this Summer, but with a twist. Over 9 performances, from July 11-21, OSLT will bring William Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing to life in the Amphitheatre at Kelso Beach. Auditions for the production will be held on April 18 – 21 and are open to anyone aged 16 and up. People of all backgrounds and experience levels are invited to audition. Additionally, the OSLT is offering free workshops to help people feel more comfortable auditioning for the show. The workshops will be held over Zoom on Thursday March 25 from 6:00 – 8:00 pm and Sunday March 28 from 2:00 – 4:00 pm and are free of charge.
Much Ado About Nothing is a comedy about falling in love - and trying not to. Recently returned from battle, young Claudio falls in love with Leonato’s daughter, Hero. In contrast, Hero’s cousin Beatrice and Claudio’s friend, Benedick want nothing to do with love or marriage and address each other with quick repartee and icy wit. When an envious Don John plots to discredit Hero, a plan is hatched to clear Hero’s name and Beatrice and Benedick find themselves rather reluctantly admitting their own love.
In order to make this production of Much Ado About Nothing more accessible, the play has been shortened, the story will be set in the 1980s, and intertwined with the action will be 80’s hits by Depeche Mode, Talking Heads and the Psychedelic Furs. Director Stephanie Fowler is hoping that adopting a modern re-telling of the play in an outdoor setting will be inviting to all. “People either love Shakespeare or find it totally daunting,” says Fowler. “We are hoping this production will not only be inviting to those people who already enjoy these plays, but also those whose only experience with Shakespeare was high school English class. When people actually see Shakespeare acted on stage it makes a lot more sense.”
Fowler is also staging the play in a way that captures the feel of a 'Shakespeare troupe, which offers many opportunities for local actors to get involved. The main leads will be backed by a chorus which will perform the musical numbers and form the supporting characters. “Presenting the show in this way will not only make it more interesting for the audience but will also allow us to include the greatest variety of performers.” said Fowler.
Fowler and show producer, Mike Tettenborn, are creating excited to be offering the free workshops to help interested actors prepare to audition. “We believe there are people out there who would be interested in participating, but who may not yet see themselves as ‘Shakespearean actors’,” says Tettenborn. “We want to have the best cast possible and are offering these free workshops to introduce people to the language and help them feel more confident in auditioning for the show.”
For workshop and audition information, and later for show ticketing, please visit www.roxytheatre.ca or call 519-371-2833 for further details.
Zoom workshops:
Thursday March 25 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Sunday March 28 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Auditions:
Sunday April 18 1:00 – 5:00 pm
Monday April 19 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Tuesday April 20 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Wednesday April 21 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Performances:
Sunday July 11 @ 6:00 pm
Monday, July 12 @ 6:00 pm
Tuesday, July 13 @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday, July 14 @ 6:00 pm
Sunday July 18 @ 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm
Monday, July 19 @ 6:00 pm
Tuesday, July 20 @ 6:00 pm
Wednesday, July 21 @ 6:00 pm
source: media release, Roxy Theatre
