Aquila Theatre Company London/New York mark their return to New York City with a production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Performances begin June 28 at The 45 Bleecker Theatre, with an opening set for July 12.
Aquila's version of Shakespeare's romantic comedy, under the direction of Robert Richmond, transports the play to 60's-era London. Using the 1960's television series "The Avengers" as inspiration, Costume Designer Beau Brummel, in collaboration with Company Manager Nate Terracio, speckles the production with slinky dark outfits and black bowler hats. Composer/musical director Anthony Cochrane adds an evocative 60's soundtrack.
In addition to serving as musical director, Cochrane stars in Much Ado...as Benedick. Also featured are Lisa Carter (Beatrice), Louis Butelli (Don John/Dogberry and Friar), Shirleyann Kaladjian (Hero) and Alex Webb (Leonato). The design team includes Richmond and Peter Meineck.
Costumer Beau Brummel has been involved in men's fashion retailing for over four decades. They've recently developed a new collection called "Beau Brummel - Soho", which is available at their Soho-based shop, alongside previous collections. They're also credited with outfitting Regis Philbin for ABC's "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire."
The Aquila Theatre Company was founded by Peter Meineck in 1991. The company toured nationally until November of 1999, when they arrrived in New York and established themselves as the first British/American Equity-Approved Off-Broadway company. Recent productions include The Iliad: Book One, King Lear and Cyrano de Bergerac. Much Ado About Nothing runs through Sept. 16 at the 45 Bleecker Theatre (located at the corner of Bleecker and Lafayette Streets in Manhattan). Performances are Wednesday-Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 5 & 9 PM and Sunday at 3 & 7 PM. Tickets, $30, can be obtained by calling the Box Office at (212) 529-4530, or via Ticketmaster. For more information, contact Aquila at (212) 992-9642 or visit the website at www.aquilatheatre.com.
- by Esther Sapan
