The Nevada Sagebrush

It is rare to see the work of Michael Jackson in a Shakespeare play.  However, originality is what makes director Jan Powell’s interpretation of “Much Ado About Nothing”so interesting.

Powell found a unique way to incorporate the iconic ‘80s “Thriller dance”in the Shakespearean tragic comedy, along with other modernized and localized changes.

Powell said she adapted the play, which was performed last weekend by the Nevada Repertory Company in the Redfield Proscenium Theater, to cater to a larger audience.

The play will continue performances at the University of Nevada, Reno through November 23. Tickets are $15 for the mid-week special (Wednesday-Thursday), $17 for general admission and $15 for seniors, students and children.

The first instance of modernization is Powell’s decision to have the soldiers returning from Iraq.

“There are huge emotions here,”Powell said. “I gave it a modern interpretation because we can relate to troops going to the Middle East.”

Powell chose current military attire for the soldiers in the play, hoping she would add to the emotional connection. She said this choice carried added meaning since James Schlauch, who plays Claudio, has been sent to Afghanistan several times.

The Repertory Company is considered to be the producing arm of the University of Nevada Reno’s Department of Speech Communication and Theater in the School of the Arts. The organization accepts student actors as well as members from the community and prides itself on maintaining a supportive learning environment for those in all phases of theater.

The work itself follows the tumultuous journey of several lovers who, after a rollercoaster ride of slander, sadness and frustration, finally end happily married.

This particular play is unique because it challenges the social norms surrounding women and, unlike many other Shakespearean works, there are no deaths.

Powell maintains Shakespeare’s witty dialogue and pushes the comedic envelope with various on-stage adaptations.

One instance is the Halloween party at the beginning of the play, where characters perform a smoothly choreographed dance to “Thriller.”

The on-stage chemistry between the characters was undeniable, especially between Beatrice (Emilie Meyer) and Benedick (Andrew Mowers).

The Repertory Company’s performance went smoothly, despite a last minute medical emergency where one of the actresses endured a collapsed lung.

“We called emergency rehearsal and everything worked out,”Powell said.

The planning and coordinating for the play began in the summer, just after the Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival.

“I held auditions a week after the festival,”Powell said. “I wanted a mixture of students and people from the community.”

Powell, who has been directing since 1979, has said preparing this performance was immensely pleasurable.

“It was a joy to do,”Powell said enthusiastically. “This play is a marvelous combination of comedy and tragedy.

“I would like to extend my tremendous gratitude for all the support. It’s been great.”

Ruth Anderson can be reached at editor@nevadasagebrush.com.

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