Much Ado Re-imagined

So the theater, it’s at San Antonio’s Bijoux, which in itself, is a fine theatre, it’s just, the carpet, the attempt at food service, it reminds me of a Triple X theater in Dallas, back in the mists of the past. Which, in turn, reminds me of another venue, recall when there was the dirty theater in Austin, across from the junior high? On Congress Ave., now too cool SoCo? Inventive titles to the films and how it stayed in business all those years, I’ll never know. Grandfather clause allowed it across from a school yard.

God bless Austin.

I don’t recognize most of the actors in Joss Whedon’s absolutely brilliant version of Much Ado, but I do admire the brilliance. Modernized, but not in way to let it interfere with the tale. The key to a successful rendition of the play, has to be spark and heat between Beatrice and Benedict. There seemed to be. Just all around fun stuff.

Shot in black and white, that added a tone to story. Swords replaces by shiny Colt 45’s. Yes, it works just fine. Until now, Dogberry, the comic relief, has been owned by Michael Keeton, and now, the master jester’s baton must be passed to Nathan something. Castle, on TV.

Much Ado Re-imagined

Brilliant parts played by all, and the language, that which is most important, comes through clearly. No missed lines, nothing muttered. That was what impressed me the most. Diction.

Get the language right, speak correctly? The rest is mere window dressings, but those were lovely. Allegedly, this was a post-Avengers after-party, and production was done as a lavish party. Stunning setting. But the execution was almost flawless to my ears.

Much Ado Re-imagined

Can’t have any talk without the odd mention of this one, too.