Beatrice vs Benedick (Kentucky Shakespeare Festival)
May 30
2 min read
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113
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Much Ado About Nothing By William Shakespeare Directed by Matt Wallace
Review by Regina Harris
Entire contents are copyright@2025 by Regina Harris. All rights reserved.
The Kentucky Shakespeare Festival kicked off its 65th season as the country's oldest free Shakespeare Festival Wednesday night to an exuberant crowd with a preview performance of Much Ado About Nothing. Traditionally set in 1600's Italy, this story of the absurdity of human behavior (especially when it comes to love and relationships) was the perfect opener for the season. The multitalented cast brought the mischievous romantic comedy to life on a perfect night to be in the park.
Capturing the essence of the beloved characters Beatrice and Benedick, Hallie Dizdarevic and Justin Jackson (respectively) had the audience in stitches with their prescribed antics. However, it was their comedic timing and snapping wit that made the production shine. Jackson, with his magnificent stage voice and fluid kineticism provided the perfect counterpoint to Dizdarevic's exuberant sass, setting the tone for the rest of the cast. Braden McCampbell as Don Pedro matched Jackson's energy while they cooked up their goofball plans to woo Hero on behalf of Claudio, as well as get the better of Beatrice. All three knocked the characterizations out of the park.
Louisville stage veterans Tom Luce (Leonato) and Jon Huffman (Watch/Friar Frances) were, as always, perfectly on point. Gregory as Dogberry and Abigail Maupin as Verges masterfully portrayed these character favorites. Gregory's serious portrayal of the inept constable Dogberry, malapropisms and all, was comic genius. Meanwhile Abigail's Verges - a pipe-smoking old codger - relied on her own brand of expressive body language and quirky humor to bring the character vividly to life. Neill Robertson's Conrade was drenched with tipsy ennui as only he can do.
Making their Kentucky Shakespeare Festival debuts, Kate Drury as Hero, Sasha Cifuentes as Ursula, Tai Rosenblatt as Don John and local Louisville actor Logan Lee Edwards as Claudio added fresh new faces to the KSF stage. Rounding out the much talented cast were Mylon Joseph, Crystian Wiltshire, Mary Baunjoko and Mollie Murk. Director Matt Wallace brought the A team to this delectably animated production.
Of course, there are only two weeks of Much Ado About Nothing performances to catch before Hamlet and Cymbeline take their turns, but it will run in reparatory starting in July. This lively and entertaining production is not to be missed!
Much Ado About Nothing Part of Kentucky Shakespeare’s Festival in Central Park May 28-June 15 and July 16, 19, 22, 25@8:00 p.m. (no performances on Monday or Tuesdays)
C. Douglas Ramey Amphitheatre in Old Louisville's Central Park
1340 South Fourth Street
Louisville, KY 40208
