Our evergreen local theater company has found yet another new location in which to perform – Jenkins Ranch Park.
From Sept. 24 to 27, the players will refresh a Shakespearean comedy in that sprawling, grassy arena. “Much Ado About Nothing” will come to life over three nights with two matinees by the Merely Players Studio Series.
“The Studio Series is an exciting addition to our annual mainstage shows,” Mona Wood-Patterson said. The artistic director of Merely Players added that the free performances make sense financially and logistically.
“Our new group continues the company mission of fostering local talent and developing new ways of reaching a larger audience,” she said. “We have worked closely with San Juan Basin Public Health to make this experience as safe as possible.”
Jeff Graves plays Claudio) and Erin Allen plays Hero in “Much Ado About Nothing.”Courtesy
Guidelines are listed on the company website and include a reminder to bring a blanket as there are no chairs, wear a mask and leave the family dog home. Designated flag areas will make it easy for families to sit together, and don’t forget to “layer up for unpredictable weather.”
“Jeff Graves and Geoff Johnson proposed this project and made a cut version of ‘Much Ado,” Wood-Patterson said.
The studio group worked throughout the summer to abbreviate, improvise and juggle more playfulness into Shakespeare’s comedy.
Jeff Graves also plays Watchman in “Much Ado about Nothing.”Courtesy
Besides Graves and Johnson, six other local actors complete the ensemble: Erin Allen, Stephen Bowers, Brian Devine, Mandy Gardner, Charlie Grice and Jason Lythgoe. Together, they take on all the roles.
Parking is tricky, so arrive early. There are only 12 spots by the tennis courts and no parking is allowed in the medians. Best bet is to find a space in the neighborhood and walk to the park. The show runs 80 minutes.
Judith Reynolds is an arts journalist and member of the American Theatre Critics Association.
Rethinkng the Bard
In summer 2019, I saw a short version of a Shakespeare comedy at a brewery in Denver called “Shakesbeer.” Earlier this year, as Merely Players was rehearsing “Macbeth,” I started canvassing some of the other cast members to see if they might be interested in doing something like “Shakesbeer.”
On March 11, Geoff (Johnson), Stephen (Bowers) and I met at my place to brainstorm a version of “Much Ado.” At the same time, the world started to shut down. The project was shelved and we all went into full quarantine mode.
But as the haze began to lift, Geoff and I bounced drafts back and forth for a cut version of “Much Ado.” In late June, we started piecing together a cast from people we had worked with before. Our first meeting was in my backyard, sitting 6 feet apart.
Although we had no idea when, where or how we were going to put on a show, I think we were all excited to have something to dream about. Shortly after, Mona Wood-Patterson asked us if we would like to do the show under the auspice of the Merely Players Studio Series. Under her guidance, and with the support of the company, we took it step by step from there – touching and kissing sticks instead of fellow actors so we wouldn’t have to get close; checking out countless parks and other venues; and discussing how we could assemble an audience safely.
We built the airplane as it was flying. And suddenly, we had a show and a space that would work to perform. Our cast couldn’t be more excited to bring this giddy show to Durango as a return of live theater.
Jeff Graves
If you go
WHAT:
“Much Ado About Nothing,” a comedy by William Shakespeare, presented by The Merely Players Studio Series. WHEN:
6 p.m. Sept. 24, 25 and 26; and 2 p.m. Sept. 26 and 27. WHERE:
Jenkins Ranch Park, 435 Jenkins Ranch Road. ADMISSION:
Free. MORE INFORMATION:
Visit www.merelyplayers.us
for special COVID-19 and venue considerations.
