Much Ado About Nothing

Plot Summary: Much Ado About Nothing begins on a sound stage at Messina Studios, run by Leonato. Leonato’s daughter Hero and her cousin Beatrice are frequent actors in the studio’s films. Leonato receives word that his friend, the director Don Pedro has returned from filming his epic The Wars and will be stopping by with others for the wrap party. Among the party is Claudio, an up-and-coming actress who quickly falls in love with Hero. Benedick, a fellow actor and bachelor who has sworn off love and marriage, attends the party and exchanges verbal barbs with his longtime sparring partner Beatrice.

All are in attendance at the masked wrap party. Don Pedro's brother, Don John, seeks a way to spoil the general happiness (just because he's bitter and petty that way). Don John plots with film crew members, Borachio and Conrad, to deceive Claudio into believing Hero has cheated on her. The engagement of Claudio and Hero is arranged. Meanwhile, Hero, Claudio, Leonato, and Don Pedro decide Benedick and Beatrice are ideal partners despite (or because of) their bickering. They make a plot to allow Benedick to overhear them discussing Beatrice's love for him and vice versa.

After a series of overheard conversations, Benedick and Beatrice realize they do indeed love one another. Don John puts the plan to frame Hero as a cheater into motion with Claudio and Don John. Later, the studio security guard Verges — managed by the bumbling Dogberry – overhears Borachio bragging to Conrad about the trick that they played on Claudio and Don Pedro and arrests the pair.

At Hero's wedding, Claudio is still deceived into thinking Hero cheated on her. She denounces Hero, leaving her apparently dead from shock. With the help of the priest, Leonato, Beatrice, and Benedick decide to pretend that Hero is actually dead until her name can be cleared. Dogberry and Verges interrogate Borachio and Conrad under the supervision of the detective Sexton. Sexton informs them that Don John has fled and Hero is dead.

Dogberry's incriminating information is, after some difficulty, given to Don Pedro and Leonato. As penance for causing Hero's death, Claudio agrees to accept Leonato's "niece" in her place. The "niece" turns out to be Hero (conveniently). The play comes to a joyful conclusion as the lovers are reunited, and Benedick and Beatrice announce that they will share the wedding day. Don John has been captured while trying to escape and is left for future trial while the play ends with a kiss between the bickering lovers Benedick and Beatrice.

The Naples Players
Kizzie Theater, May 2026

Direction - Marcus Dean Fuller

Costume Design – Kathleen Kolacz

Lighting Design – Dallas J. Cook

Sound Design – Joe Parisi and Kohen Verrette

Scenic Design - Andrew Mannion

Props Design – Amy Hughes

Stage Management – Patricia Puia

Artistic Director – Phillip Fazio
Executive Artistic Director – Bryce Alexander

All photos by Naples Creative