‘Much Ado About Nothing’ starting Aug. 8

From Community Advocate:

In 2024, a group of community theatre artists approached the HCA with the concept of performing Shakespeare on the grounds as both a fundraiser and a way to introduce the community to the time-honored tradition of performing Shakespeare in the open air.

Last year’s performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was such a success that the group decided to reprise their efforts with a production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Producer Anna Lee Percuoco, a drama teacher at Quinn Middle School who spearheaded the 2024 production, is working with director Melissa Baratta to create a version of “Much Ado” that is set in the 1970s. Baratta has assembled a cast composed of several local teachers, including Percuoco, Sarah Worrest, Brian Kubicek, and Kevin Boudreau, several of whom also were members of the 2024 cast.

“Much Ado” will be presented on Aug. 8 and 9 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 10 at 2 p.m. Local restaurant Kith and Kin will serve Shakespeare-themed fare. HCA is suggesting a donation of $10 per person, with proceeds going to benefit The Armory on the Assabet’s renovation project.