MSU Theatre Presents ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ with a Novel Twist 

MSU Theatre Presents ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ with a Novel Twist 

Come experience Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, Much Ado About Nothing, as presented by Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre, when this timeless comedy with its lightning-fast humor will take center stage on Nov. 10-12 and Nov. 15-19 at the Arena Theatre in the MSU Auditorium.  

Three people wearing outfits smiling with their hands upward, standing in front of a brick wall.
Much Ado About Nothing cast members (from left to right): Henry J, senior BFA Acting major who plays Benedick, Kim Seabright Martin, MFA Acting Candidate who plays Leonata, and Rileigh Belle Wine, sophomore BFA Acting major who plays Beatrice. (Photo by Harley Cook)

Shakespeare serves up playful deceit and cleverness in this enchanting story about love, laughter, and lighthearted deception as the cunning DG hatches a plan to disrupt the union of starry-eyed Claudio and Hero, while Beatrice and Benedick are tricked into revealing their concealed affections.

“We have taken a timeless classic and explored the complexity and layered themes in the show in a way that feels relevant to the now, but also has that nostalgia associated with it,” said Basil Winters, Assistant Director and senior B.A. Theater major. “If we can inspire a conversation on the way back home for people who see the show, I would say we have done our job.” 

Performance Dates: 

  • Friday, Nov. 10, at 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m.  
  • Sunday, Nov. 12, at 2 p.m.* 
  • Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. 
  • Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m.** 
  • Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 p.m. 
  • Saturday, Nov. 18, at 2 and 8 p.m. 
  • Sunday, Nov. 19, at 2 p.m. 

*Director Pre-Show Discussion at 1:15 p.m. prior to the Sunday, Nov. 12, performance. 
**Post-Show Discussion following the Thursday, Nov. 16, performance.  

Three people indoors wearing green “soldier-like” outfits. One is on the ground doing push-ups, while another has their leg on their back.
Much Ado About Nothing cast members sophomore BFA Acting major Rileigh Belle Wine (standing left) and MFA Acting Candidate Kim Seabright Martin (standing right) with BFA Acting major Henry J who is doing pushups. (Photo by Harley Cook)

Ticket Pricing: 

  • General Admission – $20 
  • Seniors and Faculty – $15  
  • Students – $10  

Tickets can be purchased at the Arena Theatre Ticket Office, which will open one hour prior to each performance. Doors will open 30 minutes prior to each show and will close 5 minutes after the posted start time as late seating beyond that point will disrupt the performers and fellow audience members.   –

For more information, please visit the Wharton Center for Performing Arts website. 

Two people wearing green having a conversation.
Much Ado About Nothing cast members Kim Seabright Martin (left) and Rileigh Belle Wine (right). (Photo by Harley Cook)
Categories: Performance / Production / Student / Theatre / Visual Arts, Arts Administration, and Performing Arts