Set in 1920’s New York,  Mobster Don Pedro visits his long time friend and owner of a NY speakeasy, Leonato.  Benedick and Beatrice pick up from where they left off since they saw each other.  Without missing a beat their battle of wits is a source of entertainment for both Don Pedro and his men and Hero, her father, and their friends.  While at the speakeasy, Don Pedro and his men visit Leonato, to talk business and rest from their work, while there Claudio falls in love with Leonato’s beautiful daughter Hero and asks Don Pedro to woo her on his behalf.  Hearing of this plan, Don John takes it upon himself to launch a plan of his own to cause chaos and hopefully the downfall of his brother Don Pedro. A comedic story about the lies we tell for the good of those we love, and the lies we tell to manipulate and cause pain, and how hard it is to tell the difference.

Auditions open to all actors 16 + 

Cold Reads for Auditions: Much Ado 

Or a 1 minute Shakespeare monologue

Younger with permission from the director 

Characters:

Don Pedro, Head of the Mob - 30’s +, Male

Don John, Bastard brother of Don Pedro, Villain, 30+, male

Claudio, a young mobster, new to the group 18 +, male 

Benedick, the right hand to Don Pedro, witty, 25 +, male

Leonato, Hero’s father and speakeasy owner, 35+

Antonio, Leonato’s brother 35+

Hero, Daughter to Leonato, romantic interest of Claudio, young beautiful, naive, 18+, femal 

Beatrice, Niece to Leonato, cousin to Hero and Hero’s protector, witty, smart, and not worried about her place in society as a traditional woman. 25+, female 

Dogberry - A constable, comic relief

Balthasar - Servant to Don Pedro

Borachio - Follower of Don John 

Conrade - Follower of Don John 

Maragaret- Friend of  Hero, female

Ursula- Friend of Hero, female 

Ensemble roles also available

Never done a Shakespeare show before?  Think it’s too hard?  Don’t let this keep you from this show, there will be a lot of opportunities to learn!