By: Joseph Szalinski
Before TV shows like Love Island, people had to sail all the way to Sicily to try their hands at rapid romance. It’s on this Italian island that we meet the comic characters in Steel City Shakespeare Center’s latest production, Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Jeffrey Chips and Lauren Scheller-Wolf, now running at various locations in the North Hills.
Shakespeare’s classic comedy about matters of the heart, well, one of them, is made clearer by a character breakdown in the program. Featuring a staggering repertoire of roles, this story coasts on the confusion caused by their concocted schemes. Hilarious and heartfelt, it’s easy to see how audiences can still relate to it today.
Actors in this show assume a multitude of identities. Christopher Rone plays both Benedick and George Seacole, employing ample energy and unmatched physicality. Bob Colbert captivates as Claudio and Dogberry, causing a cacophony of chuckles as the second, in particular. Alexandra Hellinger hysterically alternates between Beatrice and Verges, whose pool noodle prop provides plenty of entertainment. Taylor Humenay shows off her skills as Don Pedro, Margaret, and Watch. Caroline Phillips gives terrific portrayals of Hero, Don John, and Watch. Brianne Kessel brings Leonato, Borachio, and Watch to life. Acting interns round out the cast. Abigail Schnur makes easy work of the trio of Antonio, Conrade, and Watch, while Luna Meyers does an excellent job with Ursula, Friar Francis, Sexton, and Watch. Cat Aceto performs an invaluable service as the intimacy director, helping achieve appropriate levels of affection among the amorous pairings.
Summer is best when soundtracked by songs that reflect the season’s carefree and relaxed attitude, with a splash of soul for good measure. Wouldn’t it be nice if the Beach Boys could be incorporated into something Shakespearean? Well, music coordinators Bob Colbert and Michael Kirk agree with the sentiment, and they do just that. From beginning to end, the duo infuses a little fun, fun, fun, combed from the Capitol act’s catalog. Every song choice was excellent. The blend of early, pop hits and mid-60s songs suited the story well. Colbert and Kirk perfectly plumb the overlooked emotional range of the Beach Boys’ discography. Whether the troupe is wonderfully harmonizing tunes outright, or putting their own spin on things, the choices work beautifully. The instrumental of “Chapel of Love” and the repurposed “In My Room” stand out the most. Brian Wilson would be proud. Complementing the music is choreography by Brigita Ruta, with the routine for “Kokomo” being absolutely mesmerizing. You know what they say about dancing? It takes good timin.’
Despite having a minimal number of technical elements, this show wisely uses what it includes. Production designer Hannah Ruth Moss and design intern Mina Aksak cooked up casual costumes and a simple set. Props are used to pronounced effect, especially to supplement the humor. Stage managers Lauren Scheller-Wolf and Leila Belletti tirelessly keep it all afloat, with the former serving as a producer alongside Jeffrey Chips and Racheal Marie Graybill.
The whole world’s a stage…except for the outdoors when there’s an air quality warning. Being equally mindful and flexible, the folks behind this production decided to relocate opening night’s performance to the Ross Township Community Center, where they inevitably hosted the following day’s performance as well. Barring any other inconveniences, the rest of the run should take place at the intended locations. Even though Shakespeare in the Park should be…in a park, this play made use of the secondary space, effortlessly transforming a basketball court into sunny Messina.
Steel City Shakespeare Company tallies another triumph. Further proving their penchant for making The Bard palatable to audiences of all ages. Halfway through their 2026 season, they have two more shows in the fall/early winter that are sure to delight just like this one.
-JS
Much Ado About Nothing continues its run July 24th, 25th, and 26th at Bruno Sammartino Park in Ross Township at 6 P.M., Barry G. Schell “Bronx” Field in West View at 6 P.M., and Ross Community Center Amphitheater at 4 P.M., respectively.
