Love was found on sandy Shakesperean stages last weekend as Shakespeare On the Rocks delivered their latest Bard-approved performance of “Much Ado About Nothing.” Facing obstacles galore including hazy, smoke-filled skies, last-minute venue changes for part of the weekend and a weather-related cancelation, there was much ado about a lot, but the talented cast made up of locals and visiting thespians managed to pull it all off successfully.
“Much Ado About Nothing,” Shakespeare on the Rocks’ second play, after a successful company debut with last year’s “Romeo and Juliet,” ran through July 16 to July 19. During Thursday’s debut at the Beach 94th Amphitheater, the cast and audience was met with heavy air and haze-filled skies as Canadian wildfire smoke added an extra layer to the drama. The total run of the performance was supposed to take place at the Amphitheater, but a scheduling conflict led to a quick pivot to Panino Bozza right nearby on Friday, creating a more intimate setting with actors performing in the grass rather than on a stage. Saturday’s performance was set to take place at the Beach 108th Hockey Rink but severe storms canceled that plan. However, the crew had a strong finish on Sunday as they returned to the Amphitheater for one last round of “Much Ado About Nothing.”
As expected, director and producer Rob Byrn and co-producer Elwin Cuevas pulled together a talented cast of locals and actors from the wider New York area. Catherine Yaeger McQuaid returned as the quick-witted Beatrice, holding engagement each time she graced the stage. Her counterpart, Elwin Cuevas himself, played Benedick. Together, their spirited rivalry turned romance drove the comedy of the performance.
The House of Leonato with James Williams as Leonato, Stella Jiler as Hero, Maya Barbon as Margaret, Georgia Paracchini as Ursula, Roger Derstine as Antonio and Lisa Franklin as one of the Ladies of the Grape.
Don Pedro and His Company included Peyton Houston Coles as Don Pedro, Josh Armstrong as Count Claudio, Yinka Olagbegi as Don John, last year’s Romeo, Ellington-Blue Chapman, returning as Borachio, Ian Steckler as Conrade, Vera Ruth Kahn as Balthazar and Xander Lefleur and Messenger/Boy.
Rockaway’s notable Owen Loof, also known as the Best Dressed Man in Rockaway, played the delightfully bumbling constable Dogberry, and was joined by Abhishek Ojha as Verges, Eric Dahl as George Seacoal, Vince Punzi as Hugh Oatcake and Lisa Franklin as First Watchman.
Last but not least, The Rockaway Times’ own Dan Guarino appeared later in the performance as a Sexton and Steve Hylton played Friar Francis.
Adding to the outdoor atmosphere was the Good Times Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Yuanlin Chen, whose live score featured violin, mandolin, accordion, guitar and bass. Music for Balthazar’s songs was composed and performed by Vera Ruth Kahn using Shakespeare’s original lyrics.
Meg Schaab and Zach Lang aided in production, with Schaab doubling as stage and production manager, plus Nick Fiori as assistant director. Costumes were designed by Samantha Burgoon, sets by Tim Reckel, choreography was done by Sarah Rose Dahnke, and intimacy coordination was done by Lauren Harrison.
After the show’s run, co-founder and co-producer, Cuevas shared, “Beyond all comprehension—difficulties, climate disasters and a World Cup—we did it! Hundreds of you came and saw us. We put our literal blood, sweat and tears into giving Rockaway three incredible performances and I couldn’t be more proud of the cast, the musicians, the crew, the artists, and volunteers who came and helped us set up and pack up. It was proof how humans coming together can make anything possible. Thank you, Rockaway.
Shakespeare on the Rocks is a Flushing Town Hall GO Grant recipient and is fiscally sponsored by the New York Foundation for the Arts in cooperation with NYC Parks. Donations are always welcome. For more info, check out: www.shakespeareontherocks.org
