'Much Ado' production has enthusiastic audiences

Don't be an hour late and miss the show.

The production of the Aiken Community Playhouse Youth Wing's "Much Ado About Nothing" has been surrounded by a cloud of confusion as to the official show time. The show will be performed tonight at 7 p.m. in the Black Box with performances to follow on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

During the show, audiences are transported to the 16th century to the Italian city of Messina, where Shakespeare's ponderings are brought to life. The satiric comedy about romantic love features two contrasting couples in a dual of wits as it becomes a battle of the sexes.

"The audiences have been very receptive. The laughter has been infectious and applause has broken out even before scenes have ended. On opening night, a number of students were in the audience hoping to get extra credit for English class by watching the show. I spoke with them before the show and discovered that most had never seen a Shakespearean play performed before. They weren't overly excited ... During the show, they were among the most enthusiastic of the audience members and afterward told me that they had no idea Shakespeare could be so enjoyable," said Director Robert Franklin.

"Much Ado About Nothing" is being performed in the Bechtel Experimental Theater, also called the Black Box. Tickets are on sale at the box office for $8 for adults and $5 for seniors, students and children.

Tickets to the production are available at the ACP box office by calling 648-1438. For more information, visit www.aikencommunityplayhouse.com.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.