Much Going On in Much Ado LCC tackles Shakespeare's complicated comedy. BY KORI IRONS The erratic passion of youth may be a common theatrical theme, but it is well suited to the ambitious undertaking of a student production. There is something to be said for the diligent eagerness of a developing troupe such as that at Lane Community College, where William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing just opened in Blue Door Theatre. The intimate space of the theater is well utilized in the telling of the double love story between the cynical Benedick and Beatrice and the innocent Claudio and Hero. Although this is one of Shakespeare's better-known comedies, a vein of sadness and tragedy intertwines with the wordplay and comic relief to make for a satisfying evening of theater. Director Sparky J. Roberts has obviously paid close attention to stage direction in guiding a diverse and energetic cast of student actors. The play opens with the arrival of Don Pedro (Scott Shirk) and his companions at the estate of Leonato (Parsa Naderi), Governor of Messina in Sicily. The flat stage in the Blue Door Theatre makes the most of an otherwise ordinary box space, with a two-story set and a square performance area surrounded on three sides by audience seating. The set evokes the 16th century Italian country manor and Roberts has done a good job of coordinating and orchestrating the many actors who move about the space. By using the entire stage and making creative use of the many exits and entrances, Roberts keeps the pace up. Although some of the engineered sounds can be distracting and a little ill-timed, the addition of live music and some lovely vocal performances add depth to this production. After an uneven start, Much Ado hits its stride in the second act with a playful dance sequence at a masquerade party. The cast members all wear delightful and extravagant masks and the intimate seating provides for fine viewing of the artistic creations. The following garden scenes provide humor and a showcase for the banter of language this play is known for. While a plot is hatched to bring sworn bachelor and bachelorette Benedick and Beatrice together, the actors romp about the "garden" in a fun physical comedy. As the gentlewoman Ursula, Caitlin Jean Tischer is particularly expressive and displays a delicious sense of comedic timing. Dylan Kennedy makes for a swaggering and almost sweet young Benedick, animated and conversational and more than match for Elizabeth Moroney, the expectedly saucy Beatrice. When the story takes a tragic turn brought about by the sufficiently brooding Will Jeanniton as the villainous Don John (the bastard brother of Don Pedro), Matthew Keating nearly steals the final scenes as the Constable Dogberry. Prancing and pontificating as leader of a ragtag group, known in Shakespeare's play as "The Watch," Keating seems to be channeling Dr. Emmett Brown (Christopher Lloyd's professor in the 1985 film Back to the Future) and makes sure the audience gets the jokes of his mis-speak and word swapping. His character wouldn't be complete, however, without his sidekick, played by the patient and accommodating Noobs (the dog). Much Ado About Nothing is a pleasant dose of spring, especially welcome as we wait out these typical April rains. Despite the long run-time — the show runs a full two hours and 40 minutes with one intermission — you won't want to miss a moment of the action in this intimate arrangement. Much Ado About Nothing continues Saturday, April 22, 23, 28-30, and May 4-6. For tickets call 463-5761. $10/ $8 stu.   Opening Nights The Memory of Water Opens Friday, April 21 at Actors Cabaret of Eugene Annex. No, it's not really a play about the homeopathic concept that water is capable of containing "memory" of particles dissolved in it, although it does serve as the central metaphor on which playwright Shelagh Stephenson's dark comedy is based. Memory is the theme for three sisters, who gather at a funeral and attempt to reconcile their feelings toward their recently deceased mother as well as with one another. Show dates are April 21-23, 28 and 30; May 5 and 6. Call 683-4368 for tickets.   The Baltimore Waltz Opens Wednesday, April 26 at the UO's Robinson Theatre In this play, written as a tribute to her brother Carl who died of AIDS in 1988, playwright Paula Vogel applies the techniques of both farce and satire to the medical profession in this play. The story follows young Anna, who has just been diagnosed with "acquired toilet disease," and her brother Carl as they embark on a European adventure to avoid having to deal with her illness. Show dates are April 26-29 and May 4-6. Call 346-4363 for tickets.
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