06/20/2026
Leonato, Governor of Messina and a powerful landowner, hosts Don Pedro at his lavish estate, which he shares with his lovely daughter Hero, his witty niece Beatrice and his elderly brother Antonio. Don Pedro has just returned from a victorious military campaign with his rebellious brother, Don John, in tow. Returning with Pedro are his soldiers and good friends Claudio, a well-respected young nobleman of whom Don John is bitterly resentful, and Benedick, a confirmed bachelor engaged in an ongoing feud with Beatrice, also resolutely single.
When the soldiers arrive at Leonato’s estate, Claudio falls in love with Hero and asks Don Pedro to help him win her hand, and Beatrice and Benedick resume their war of wits with a skirmish of insults. At a masked ball that evening, Don John convinces Claudio that Don Pedro is wooing Hero for himself. A jealous Claudio confronts Don Pedro, but the confusion is sorted out and Claudio and Hero are betrothed. Meanwhile, after a particularly charged sparring match between Beatrice and Benedick, Don Pedro suggests a plan to the happy Claudio and Hero. The three of them will trick Beatrice and Benedick into falling in love with each other.
Much Ado About Nothing is presented by Agape Theater Company and has performances on July 10, 11, 12, 17, 18, 19 at Mad Hatter Shows and Event Center. Link to purchase in comments.
