Shakespeare comes to Shipyard Park

Aug 4, 2019

MATTAPOISETT — Given that they sometimes had to fight with passing cars to make their lines heard, it’s hard to say that the cast of “Much Ado About Nothing” made much ado about their show. But it was notable as the first Shakespeare production in Mattapoisett’s Shipyard Park, Director Maura Van Voris said. 

The show, which brought together two theater companies, The Glass Horse Project and Midsummer Shakespeare, also swapped some gender roles around. Leonato becomes Leonata, Antonio becomes Antonia, Don Pedro becomes Captain Petra. 

The play also gets a modern, seaside spin. Multiple times characters were interrupted by a text message notification, with one telling them that dinner was ready. 

The two companies have been touring up and down the South Coast, in Onset, Fairhaven, Mattapoisett, Marion, and New Bedford. It’s certainly busy, but for Van Voris, who is used to performing abroad, it’s a cinch. “Not having to go through customs is nice,” she said. 

“I personally enjoy it,” said Stage Manager Sev Marshall, of the moving around, though she admits that “it’s a little hectic when you get there.” 

Though all the performances have been outside, the director said the heat hasn’t been too much of an adjustment for actors, since stage lights also run hot. What’s harder is keeping the show short enough and entertaining enough that the audience does not want to leave. 

Van Voris said that the show is going well so far, and one of the most gratifying things has been to see kids get drawn into it. 

Before ending its two week tour, “Much Ado” will return to Tabor Academy, where it rehearsed for the last five weeks. But even then, Van Voris said they won’t be on the same stage they rehearsed on. She also believes it will be the first Shakespeare performance at Tabor. 

To see the show before it finishes its two week run, go to the Fireman Performing Arts Center at Tabor Academy at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9.