By Lisa Carolin
Taking on a Shakespearean play can be a daunting experience, and removing some of the fears surrounding it has been a challenge for Chelsea High School Theater Guild Advisor Katherine Altman.
In fact, she might tell you that students are making “Much Ado about Nothing.”
The comedy just happens to be the spring play that Altman is directing.
“It’s full of life, fun, new beginnings, and love, a perfect way to celebrate the season and moms,” said Altman, who says that the timing works well with the spring season and Mother’s Day weekend. “We want to provide the participating students with the opportunity to work with Shakespeare and learn from his language and depth of character.”
There are 20 students in the cast along with two prop masters, a stage manager and a stagehand. Four cast members also serve as costumers, and there is a student director and two students serving as dance captains.
Altman says “Much Ado About Nothing” will offer audiences a lot of laughter and fun.
“It’s a Shakespearean comedy with a modern twist, as we have set the play in the Los Angeles area in 2010,” said Altman. “The play has heartfelt messages within about the pitfalls of rumors, gossip, and hearsay, which is increasingly relevant in our modern, technology-based society.”
She says that although people often come to a Shakespearean production with preconceive notions about their lack of ability to understand it, she’s worked hard to make the show feel accessible to both the students in it and the audience.
“We have an amazingly talented cast and crew of students,” said Altman. “They’ve done a great job moving past any of their apprehensions, working with the language and making their characters and the humor in the show come to life.”
“Much Ado About Nothing” will be performed in the Washington Street Education Center auditorium on Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at the Chelsea Pharmacy and at the door, $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors.
