Eavesdropping, deception, and comic misunderstandings cause endless trouble for the couples at the heart of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, and this week, seventh-grade drama students brought all that theatrical chaos and its happy resolution to life on the Harris Theater stage. 

Each section of the play’s five acts was brought to life by a different group of seventh grade drama students, with shared costumes and props providing seamless continuity as the roles changed hands. This performance showcased a year's worth of dedication and the musical talents of several cast members. The students didn't just memorize lines; they learned to analyze, interpret, and embody Shakespeare’s language. By blending vocal expression, physical awareness, and emotional connection, the actors developed vital theater skills to portray each iconic character in an authentic and engaging manner. 

To introduce the play, Drama Teacher Adam Crescenzi set the stage for the audience by underscoring the enduring relevance of Shakespeare’s work and highlighting the many ways in which his writing influences entertainment today. “Shakespeare is evergreen and eternal,” notes Adam. “Even though he wrote this beautiful language and created these iconic characters and marvelous plot lines over 500 years ago, his reach, his impact, and his influence on storytelling and the arts and theater itself and culture across the globe have been immeasurable.” 

While the language and characters of Shakespeare’s work require a greater initial investment from the students, the rewards of navigating his work on the page and stage are correspondingly greater. “If you can read, understand, discuss, interpret, and speak Shakespeare on stage with confidence, there’s nothing you can't do,” says Adam.