Cappies Review: 'Much Ado About Nothing' At Saint John Paul The Great Catholic High School

By Kaydin Andruzzi of Colgan High School

From the perfect comedic timing to the soul-warming dramatic moments, Saint John Paul's production of Much Ado About Nothing was nothing short of spectacular. The show blended humor and emotion in a way that made the whole performance feel exciting and enjoyable to watch.

Much Ado About Nothing was written by Shakespeare in 1598 and was first performed by Shakespeare's company. The play received a 1993 film adaptation, which helped boost the play's modern popularity. Many are familiar with this 16th century comedy, and yet the crew was still able to find the right balance between honoring the original material and making it feel fresh for a new audience.

Luke Williams brought the famously difficult character of Benedick to life. From his strong physical comedy and use of the props around stage, he captivated the audience with his ability to connect and perform with ease. His reactions and movements ushered constant laughter from the audience. The relationship between Patrick Kurrus as Claudio and Gunnar Quinn as Don Pedro brought a sense of unity to the stage. This trio was often seen plotting in the background of scenes and jokingly teasing one another when discussing Benedick's relationship towards Emma Ramer as Beatrice. Together, their chemistry on stage as playful and bantering friends helped to immerse the audience into this modern interpretation of a classic comedy.

The special effects team of Dominic Brunsman, Robert Lindsey, and the JP News Reel Crew, with the help of adults, brought their artistic vision to life by combining Shakespeare with the Cold War. For example, they created a pre-show video containing real war advertisements mixed with clips of the actors, giving the audience not only a surprising and creative introduction to the production, but important historical background into this modern adaptation of the Shakespeare classic. Similarly, the stage crew of Adrian Quezada, Auriela Martinez, and Hannah Ly effectively and efficiently brought set pieces on and off the stage during the quick set changes. Their smooth work helped the show transition into different areas of the Italian villa.

Overall, Saint John Paul's production of Much Ado About Nothing brought joy throughout the audience one laugh, tear, and gasp at a time. The cast and crew worked together to create a performance that was memorable, entertaining, and truly impressive.