Theater, drama complex to open

After years of preparation, Herman B Wells and William Metz' vision of a new theater and drama complex is finally complete. William Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" is the perfect performance to debut the new venue and display its innovative features. \nThe cast of Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing" delivered a stellar performance in the Wells-Metz Theatre Saturday. This particular rendition of Shakespeare's 16th-century play included a unique and creative twist. Instead of a 16th-century English town, the characters are placed in America at the turn of the 20th century. \nThe set was filled with patriotic symbols. Red, white and blue streamers hung from the balcony of a 26-foot façade (the main set piece) similar to those used in Shakespeare's conventional sets. In the opening scene, the men wore hats lined with red, white and blue ribbons, and the women danced across the stage waving flags as a patriotic tune played in the background. \nThis patriotic fervor was also evident in the costumes.\nApparently no cost was spared. From early 20th-century dresses, costumes for a masquerade and military uniforms to nightgowns and even a wedding dress, the play was certainly enhanced. \nA talented cast delivered the lighthearted and humorous nature of the Shakespearian comedy with energy and enthusiasm. The plot focused on four main characters -- two men and two women -- who, despite the scheming of both friends and foes, end up happily married. \nGeoff Wilson played the role of Benedick, a cocky, independent young man who believes women are not worth his time. His performance kept the audience roaring with laughter as he claimed the stage with witty monologues and hilarious gestures. \nMelissa Joy Nedell played Beatrice, a stubborn, intelligent girl who refuses to fall in love but eventually marries Benedick. Her performance is more than believable, and because of her mannerisms and delivery, even those not well-versed in Shakespeare could easily follow the plot. \nJessica Cannon and Nicholas Cacciola played the love-struck couple of Hero and Claudio, whose happy life together is almost ruined by an evil plot devised to defame Hero's purity. Nicholas portrayed Claudio quite well. His expressive and heart-felt delivery made it difficult for the audience not to empathize with his plight. \nJessica embodied the character of Hero as a soft-spoken and innocent young woman. Her delivery charmed the audience and evoked empathy, as well. \nAbdul-Khaliq Murtadha and Jose Antonio Garcia also delivered first-rate performances as the commander and his illegitimate brother, respectively. Murtadha held the audience's attention with his commanding voice and excellent presentation of his lines. Garcia's portrayal of the conniving Don John was fabulous. His character's evil intentions were perfectly relayed through his performance.\nThe Wells-Metz Theatre greatly enhanced the story line of the play. The seating arrangement allows audience members to enjoy an intimate performance in which the actors and actresses are practically right in front of them, providing a superior view for every patron.\nThe theater contains ground level seating as well as two balconies that each have one row of seating around the stage. The height of the theater provides exceptional sound and lighting quality. \nOverall, this performance was a perfect beginning for the next phase of theater at IU. The cast and crew provided an eager audience with more than an enjoyable afternoon but also a sense that it was part of a new tradition.