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Much Ado About Nothing

Reviewed by Vanessa Cate

Independent Shakespeare Co.

Through Aug. 30

RECOMMENDED:

What a wonderful evening of Shakespeare for families, couples, or individuals with a palate for the classics! Though a bit of a trek to the Old Zoo at Griffith Park, the journey is worth it for a beautiful (and free!) evening from Independent Shakespeare Co., which over the past 12 years has become one of L.A.’s premiere destinations for your fix of the Bard. This fact is supported by the massive crowd of over 1300 persons who attended last Saturday night’s performance. And they say L.A. theater is dead!

This incarnation of Much Ado takes us to 1945. Nearing the end of World War II, Don Pedro (Napoleon Tavale) leads his battalion to Leonato (Danny Campbell)’s estate in Messina. Sparks fly, passions are ignited, and mischief is engaged.

This production is a hoot from start to finish under Jeffrey Wienckowski’s superb direction. He delivers a polished, accessible, and riotous version in many ways true to Elizabethan form, but which is also infused with fresh notes, making it a smart and different rendition from those that have come before.

The stand-out performance comes from Independent Shakespeare Co.’s co-founder David Melville, whose uniquely stuffy Benedick had me in stitches, and whose love interest Beatrice (co-founder Melissa Chalsma) happens to be Melville’s wife.

The production warms the heart and is also hysterical. Bring a blanket and a picnic to enjoy the full experience of Shakespeare in this park.

Independent Shakespeare Co. Studio at the Old Zoo at Griffith Park (directions available on the website); Thurs.-Sun. 7 p.m.; through Aug. 30. (818) 710-6306, www.iscla.org