Saint Louis University Theatre’s 2011 spring session opened on Feb. 25 with a charming interpretation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, guest-directed by Tim Ocel.
Strong casting, including senior Katie McGee in the lead role of Beatrice and junior Gregory Cuellar in the lead role of Benedick, combined to make a troupe 
that commanded the stage.
In addition, Mark Holzum stood out in his role of Claudio; Peter Hasser as Don Pedro; Carl Schneider as villain Don John, who is the bastard brother of Don Pedro; and Sam Moyer as Hero, the love interest of Claudio.
In a twist on the usual set of 16th century Messina, Italy, the University Theatre’s play takes place in the 1930s and received its inspiration from serious comedies of that decade.
Ocel has been visible in the St. Louis theatre world with his position as stage director at the Opera Theatre St. Louis and Union Avenue Opera in recent years.
In addition, Ocel has worked across the nation. He has previously directed shows, Shakespeare and others, for many theatre companies nationally, including the Sacramento Theatre Company, the Indiana Repertory Theatre and Georgia Shakespeare.
Deception and stubbornness intertwine with true love and purity as “Much Ado About Nothing” progresses.
When Benedick and Claudio return from the Italian invasion of Ethiopia in 1936, Claudio immediately falls in love with Hero. Benedick, swearing that he will never marry, thrives on a contentious relationship with his seeming enemy Beatrice; they constantly pester each other with biting jabs.
When Don Pedro and Claudio determine to trick Benedick into love, Beatrice is drawn into the scheme as his new love interest. Benedick and Beatrice have no hope of avoiding it, as their friends attempt impress the benefits of the other on them constantly. As their relationship develops, Claudio and Hero prepare to wed.
However, the sinister force of Don John seeks to foil their love, culminating in a spellbinding scene at the church. The tables are turned; lovers are separated, and outwardly stubborn enemies are inwardly united by true love.
The audience will find that the characters are not static. Love and deception have changed them already.
As the story continues, laughingly foolish characters like Dogberry, played by senior Chris Lyons, keep the play light.
Themes of love, initial perceptions and deception carry throughout the comedy. With his interpretation of “Much Ado About Nothing” as an averted tragedy, Ocel shows the audience that initial perceptions of people change throughout the play, leading the audience to analyze the value of first judgment of characters.
The cast triumphantly achieves Ocel’s goal to tread a fine line between comedy and tragedy with serious and comic parts spread throughout.
Costuming and set creation was masterful. The costumes designed by Lou Bird, added poise, historical context and personality to characters. In addition, the set designed by Jim Burwinkel was both structured and light, reflecting the attitude of the play.
A tremendous mix of laughter and suspense, “Much Ado About Nothing” considers the intricacies of deception and hidden love. The play examines the rashness of believing too much in the appearance of truth and not finding the reality of truth and challenges audiences to do likewise.
“Much Ado About Nothing” plays in Xavier Hall on Friday and Saturday, March 4 and 5 at 8 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. on March 6. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $9 for senior citizens, $9 for faculty and staff and $7 for students. Additional information is available through the box office at 314-977-3327.
