Spring 2009

Helped along by a few gallons of wine and the vibrant style of the 40's, BUSS's 14th production, Much Ado About Nothing, marked the end of an era. The play begins with Don Pedro, Prince of Arragon, paying a visit to Leonato, the governor of Messina, following a victorious campaign against his rebellious brother, Don Jon. Accompanying him are two of his officers, Benedick and Claudio. While in Messina, Claudio falls for Leonato's daughter, Hero; Benedick verbally spars with Beatrice, the governer's niece. The budding love between Claudio and Hero prompts Don Pedro to arrange with Leonato for the marriage. Meanwhile, the trickery begins as Don Pedro (with the help of Leonato and Claudio) attemps to sport with Benedick and Beatrice in an effort to make the two fall in love. Likewise, Hero  and her waiting women help to set up Beatrice. After the evil Don John, with the help of Borachio and his henchmen, tricks Claudio into doubting Hero's virginity, Leonato, Beatrice, and Benedick claim that the young woman has died of humiliation and grief. Claudio, upon realizing his mistake, is beside himself with sadness. Fortunately for everyone, Borachio is arrested while drunkenly boasting of his part in the plan, and Hero is exonerated. Leonato demands a public apology from Claudio, then tells him that he will allow Claudio to marry one of his nieces in Hero's place--a niece that turns out to be none of ther that Hero herself. Claudio and Hero are reunited, Benedick and Beatrice will wed alongside them, and they receive the news that the bastard Don John has been apprehended for his crime.