Much Ado About Nothing
Presented by Wichita Shakespeare Company
The Wichita Shakespeare Company (WSC) opens its 2023 Shakespeare-in-the-Park series with the comedy Much Ado About Nothing. One of the Bard’s most popular plays, the play features two of his most celebrated sparring couples Beatrice and Benedick.
The play is directed by veteran WSC director, Jane Tanner. Jane has been actively involved with Shakespeare in the Park since the early 80’s. The impressive cast assembled for the show includes Jered Becker as Benedick and Angela Forrest as Beatrice. Others in the cast include Dan Schuster, Viviano Legorreta, JunHoe Choo, Ed Belsan, Paul Savage, Damian White, Chris Welborn, Levi Nord, Jordan Geer, Kevin Sowers, Mark Shobe, Joe Adelman, Tricia Nord, Heidi Choo, and Ashley Ferrer.
All shows will begin at 7:00 pm, with an approximate running time of one hour and forty-five minutes. As always, the play is performed free to all audiences but donations are accepted and appreciated. Those attending are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating and, of course, bug spray. Shakespeare-in-the-Park returns to the very popular Central Riverside, College Hill, and Buffalo parks in Wichita. Parks in Derby, Andover, and Park City complete the schedule. Additionally, a special inside performance will be held at University Friends Church. Seating will be provided for the inside performance. In the event of inclement weather, there will be a message posted at 6 pm on the WSC line (316-655-2017) alerting if the show has been cancelled for that evening.
Don Pedro – Dan Schuster
Don John – Viviano Legorreta
Claudio – JunHoe Choo
Benedick – Jered Becker
Leonato – Ed Belsan
Antonio – Paul Savage
Balthasar/Messenger/Sexton/singer – Damian White
Borachio – Levi Nord
Conrade – Jordan Geer
Dogberry – Kevin Sowers
Verges/Friar Francis/singer – Mark Shobe
First Watchman – Joe Adelman
Second Watchman – Tricia Nord
Hero – Heidi Choo
Beatrice – Angela Forrest
Margaret – Ashley Ferrer
Friday, June 9 – College Hill Park
Saturday, June 10 – Hap Mclean Park
Sunday, June 11 – Buffalo Park
Friday, June 16 – Central Riverside Park
Saturday, June 17 – High Park Amphitheater
Sunday, June 18 – Andover Central Park
Friday, June 23 – Central Riverside Park
Saturday, June 24 – College Hill Park
Sunday, June 25 – University Friends Church (Inside)
Directed by Jane Tanner
Poster design by Troy Dilport