William Shakespeare’s romantic comedy “Much Ado About Nothing” will be staged by PCPA, Feb. 13-March 2 the Marian Theatre, 800 S. College Drive, Santa Maria.

Love, wit and mischief entwine in Shakespeare’s classic tale, resulting in a timeless battle of the sexes. Fresh from victory, the prince’s army returns home, stirring the air with romance for the tender Claudio and Hero, and an unparalleled battle of wits between Beatrice and Benedick.

But laughter gives way to intrigue, as accusations fly and truths emerge in a mischievous game that may lead to heartbreak.

Andrew Philpot, the show’s director at PCPA, notes: “When Shakespeare wrote ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ in 1598, he was entering what would become his greatest period of playwriting artistry.

“Fresh off ‘The Merchant of Venice’ and ‘Henry IV,’ he would quickly follow up ‘Much Ado’ with Henry V,’ ‘Twelfth Night,’ ‘Julius Caesar,’ and, amazingly, ‘Hamlet.’

“It was a furious pace of writing, but his company, The King’s Men, were in constant need of new material.

“Playgoing was in full swing in London, bringing people of all classes flocking to theaters. (The other great attraction being bear-baiting, apparently!)

“Literacy was up, a strong middle-class had recently emerged, and people wanted entertainment.

“Having as many as 30 plays at once in their repertory, the King’s Men could offer up stories for any taste.

“In fact, each play needed various elements that could divert and delight a variety of audiences. It’s why the comedy in ‘Much Ado’ runs from high-style wordplay to absolute slapstick silliness.

“And then, taking us utterly by surprise, Shakespeare nearly breaks your heart when it looks like love is lost — but it never is,” Philpot said.

“When it comes to ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ I think he means to delight us – pure and simple,” Philpot said. “But along the way, he also allows us to see ourselves fully, with all our flaws, quirks and everything else that makes us human.’’
 
The creative team includes Philpot, scenic designer Jason Bolen, costume designer Tracee Bear, lighting designer Cody Soper, sound designer Elisabeth Weidner, fight director Mark Booher, choreographer Jay Brenneman, and stage manager Jack D. Myles.
 
Cast members are Don Stewart as Leonato; Kitty Balay as Antonia; Emily Trask as Beatrice; Lily Cameron as Hero; Christen Celaya as Margaret; Gillian Rains as Ursula; Cordell Cole as Don Pedro; and Victor Meneses as Don John

Aslo, Holland Rolapp as Constance; Gideon Feinstein as Borachio; Michael Gould as Claudio; George Walker as Benedick; Taylor Brunzell as Balthazar; Peter Hadres as Friar Francis/Verges; Erik Stein as Dogberry.

Also, Hunter Oehlschlaeger as Sexton; Alexander Kasten as Messenger; Lucas Bennett as First Watch; Ava Lovelace as Second Watch; Joey Adanalian as Third Watch/Boy; Natalie Bordwell; and Isabella Scott as Bianca.

For tickets visit pcpa.org or call the box office, 805-922-8313. Groups of 12 or more can save 25%-30%.

For more, call Kelly Stegall, 805-928-7731 ext. 4150.