jewell theater – The Hilltop Monitor

Much ado about Jewell’s “Much Ado About Nothing”

Audrey Mapes — Fri, 09 Nov 2018 13:30:55 +0000

The Jewell Theatre Company staged their production of William Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” Nov. 1-3, putting a William Jewell College spin on a classic comedy.

“Much Ado About Nothing” follows several characters through a series of miscommunications and shenanigans, with two love stories at the forefront: that of Beatrice and Benedick and that of Hero and Claudio. While Hero is sweet-tempered, soft-spoken and eager to be married, her cousin Beatrice is quite the opposite, making generous use of her sharp wit and sharper tongue.

After the prince and both men’s friend Don Pedro helps Claudio secure the promise of Hero’s hand in marriage, he enlists Hero’s father, Leonato – in Jewell’s production changed to a female role, Leonata –Claudio, Hero and her waiting-women to help set up a romance between Beatrice and Benedick, who gleefully fling barbed comments back and forth at every opportunity under the pretense of mutual dislike. Before Hero and Claudio can be married, however, Don Pedro’s villainous brother Don John and his cronies set out to tarnish Hero’s reputation and convince Claudio to leave her at the altar.

When he does, Hero faints at the accusations of promiscuity, and it is publicized that she has died. Claudio and Don Pedro are remorseful upon learning that their actions have resulted in Hero’s death, and due to the comically bumbling-yet-successful night watchmen having overheard Don Pedro’s cronies talking about their involvement in his scheme, the two learn that Hero was innocent after all.

Leonato offers Claudio the hand of a never-before-seen girl who is conveniently similar to Hero, and he accepts. At the wedding she is revealed to be the very much alive Hero, to Claudio’s joy. Beatrice and Benedick, each having learned the things they overheard about the other being in love with them to have been fabricated, declare the lack of love between them, only to have love poetry each has written about the other snatched from their respective possessions and traded; they come together again, confessing they must be in love after all.

The highlight of Jewell’s production is by far Caroline Seitz and Terrace Wyatt, Jr., in the leading roles of Beatrice and Benedick. Their natural delivery of the lines and lively, expressive acting are a delight to watch, and when they interact their combined energy is electric, Wyatt’s lighthearted and hilarious Benedick playing off of Seitz’s cynical and sardonic Beatrice splendidly. Their performances were complemented by the more subdued Leonata, played by Kyra Little, and chuckling Don Pedro, played by Samuel Person. As the other prominent love story, Emma Mayfield’s Hero is delightfully sweet and believable next to Jaimeson Satterfield’s earnest and heartfelt Claudio.

The production features a versatile set, the location only being significantly shifted for a scene set in Hero’s bedroom, and the cast and crew execute the transitions between scenes seamlessly. The transposition of Shakespeare’s text into the 1940s is supported by the mood-setting music choices and costumes, which are well-chosen to emphasize each character’s individual personality.

Overall, Jewell’s “Much Ado” is entertaining and great fun to watch. The Bard would be proud!

Photo courtesy of Jewell Theater’s Facebook page

Photo Feature: “Stage Kiss” By Sarah Ruhl

Laurel Colemire — Fri, 17 Apr 2015 13:00:13 +0000

Jewell Theatre Company’s “A Murder is Announced” provides a complexly enjoyable mixture of suspense and comedy

Brett Stone — Fri, 14 Nov 2014 23:02:17 +0000

Jewell Theatre Company’s feature play this season is “A Murder is Announced,” written by Agatha Christie and adapted by Leslie Darbon. This is the company’s first mystery production since 1992.

The play featured a largely female cast, half of whom were first-years. “A Murder is Announced” opens Natasha Lee Martin’s third year in directing Jewell Theatre Company productions.

The story appears to be an average murder mystery, full of fake identities, a much-coveted will and suspect relatives. However, the play takes these motifs and turns them on their head, creating an unpredictable and suspenseful story progression.

I found Nathan Wyman’s set design to be very visually attractive, with as many intricacies and details as the story itself. There was an old chandelier, ornate wall hangings and decorative upholstered furniture that set the scene effectively. To the same effect, the costumes by Tammy Keiser were expertly done, and the style fit both the characters and time period well.

The actors did a superb job at creating equally powerful moments of suspense andcomedy. The murder scene was legitimately frightening and the comedic moments were effortlessly funny.

Personally, my favorite performance was Brioni Garvin who played Mitzi, a Russian housekeeper. Her energy onstage heightened every scene she was in. Raquel Shaw’s centerpiece performance as Letitia Blacklock seamlessly led the show through all of the twists and turns Christie’s story had to offer.

That said, I should note that the casts’ British accents were not as consistent as they could have been. This inconsistency paired with the fast-paced dialogue made it difficult to understand what was being said on occassion. The blocking was a bit awkward, and at times cast members wandered idly around the stage.

Overall, I find myself reaching for criticism since I generally enjoyed the play. I implore you to support your colleagues and see “A Murder is Announced.” Their hard work and genuine effort is duly noted, and the payoff is big.