(L to R): Matthew Pauli as Leonato, Jasmine Proctor as Hero, Danny Cackley as Benedick, Lorenzo Miguel as Claudio, and Mary Myers as Beatrice. Photo by DJ Corey Photography.
If you have never seen a Commedia dell’Arte performance, then Faction of Fool’s “Much Ado about Nothing” is calling your name. Faction of Fools performs exclusively in the Commedia dell’Arte form, a highly stylized method of acting that utilizes masked actors playing recognizable archetypes. Though this technique predates Shakespeare, it works excellently with his comedies that have those classic tropes and archetypes. “Much Ado About Nothing” follows two classic love stories: love at first sight and enemies to lovers. Hero and Claudio must overcome a devious plot from the wicked Don John, while Benedick and Beatrice must overcome their own selves to find their happy ending.
The physical comedy, the radiant energy, and the heightened drama make for the most enjoyable evening of theater available right now.
Entering the intimate theater through the plaster arch of the Hotel Bella Figura, you find yourself on the stage itself. Johnny Weissgerber’s set design is a triumph, placing the action in a plaster hotel lobby complete with a hotel key wall, reception desk, and three arches used frequently by the actors. The movement of the set to create slightly different spaces is ingenious. The dappled light at the start of the show quickly gave way to a complex and perfectly executed design from William K. D’Eugenio that accentuated each moment of the show. A favorite moment was during Benedick’s “This can be no trick” monologue, where the dramatic lighting (and the abrupt freezing of the other actors) gave Benedick his private space to think his thoughts. The finishing touch to the scene was the long sustained note, giving the sense that the music had been paused along with everything else. Sound designer Kenny Neal has created an incredible and complicated design that heightens the comedy.
The cast of six is small but mighty, playing a total of 16 characters. Each actor differentiates between roles with a change of mask, costume, and physicality. The doubling of characters only serves to increase awe at each actor’s wide capabilities and provides some hilarious moments.
As the leading lady, Mary Myers is a tour de force as the classically scornful Beatrice, but brings touching gravity to the moments when Beatrice is confronted by her own feelings. Myers’ Don Juan is hilariously evil with a distinctive posture and excellent comedic timing. As Benedick, Danny Puente Cackley fills the stage with both swagger and heartfelt sincerity. Cackley doubles as the timid and meek Conrade Don with some excellent physical comedy.
It is a wonder to see Jasmine Proctor exit as the sweet, love struck Hero and enter as the swaggering Borachio. Proctor’s Hero is perfectly wonderful, archetypal as a lover and truly moving as a wounded bride. Proctor’s Borachio is a treat in every respect. The first meeting between Claudio (Lorenzo Miguel) and Hero is so spectacularly cartoon-like, I could almost see the red hearts in their eyes. Miguel has some spectacularly acted moments, though at other times, Claudio’s dialogue was rushed and difficult to understand.
Matthew Pauli (Leonato/Dogberry/Verges) brings laughs to each scene, including an incredible one-man-show moment involving all three characters in a single scene. Francesca Chilcote (Pedro/Margaret/Friar) shines in the meticulously staged opening sequence, performed to Delibes’ Pizzicati from Sylvia.
Captivating from the start, audiences are in for a spectacularly staged show from Director Natalie Cutcher. Overall, the creativity of the staging exceeds all expectations, though the gulling scenes are a bit too heavy-handed at times, making it difficult to keep suspension of disbelief throughout. Costume designer Cidney Forkpah deserves a shout out for the incredible quick change feats. The prop design by Katherine Offutt Ross adds so much to the production. It is a lovely thing to see excellent props used so naturally. The mask design by Tara Cariaso of Waxing Moon Masks is stunning (a favorite is Benedick’s jolly raised eyebrow mask).
Faction of Fools has done a marvelous job of showing how an old art form can be just as relevant, funny, and dramatic as it was in the Renaissance. The physical comedy, the radiant energy, and the heightened drama make for the most enjoyable evening of theater available right now.
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes with a 10-minute intermission.
Advisory: Family friendly, contains some PG-13 humor.
”Much Ado About Nothing” runs through May 2, 2026 at Capital Hill Arts Workshop, 545 7th Street SE, Washington DC, 20003. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
