Students performing Shakespeare with a twist

DOWNEY – Downey High School students will perform William Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing,” opening May 3. Students will portray Shakespeare’s tale of clever matchmaking, mistaken identities and malicious rumors. In a twist, the production will be set in the “happy days” of the 1950s.

In this story, Claudio and Benedick have just returned from their college’s triumphant football victory and are celebrating in the diner of Leonato. It’s here that Claudio catches the eye of the “good girl” Hero and Benedick, in his Fonzie-like “cool,” revives a long-term battle of wits with beatnik Lady Beatrice.

It’s soon after this that the friends of Benedick and Beatrice attempt to play Cupid and get these two fast-talking rivals to fall in love. However, Don John, a “rebel without a cause,” plays a wicked plot in the background to ruin everyone’s chances at love.

Performances are May 3 and May 7-10 at 7 p.m. inside D. Mark Morris Hall on the Downey High campus. Tickets are $8 at the door or $6 presale (available at the ASB window on campus before 4 p.m.).

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Published: April 10, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 52