Much Ado About Nothing (version 2)

Written by William Shakespeare

Narrated by LibriVox Community

Much Ado About Nothing is generally considered one of Shakespeare’s best comedies, because it combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious meditations on honor, shame, and court politics. Much Ado About Nothing chronicles two pairs of lovers: Benedick and Beatrice (the main couple), and Claudio and Hero (the secondary couple). Benedick and Beatrice are engaged in a very "merry war"; they are both very witty and proclaim their disdain of love. In contrast, Claudio and Hero are sweet young people who are rendered practically speechless by their love for one another. Although the young lovers Hero and Claudio provide the main impetus for the plot, the courtship between the wittier, wiser lovers Benedick and Beatrice is what makes Much Ado About Nothing so memorable. Benedick and Beatrice argue with delightful wit, and Shakespeare develops their journey from antagonism to sincere love and affection with a rich sense of humor and compassion. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Cast
Leonato: Bob Neufeld
Messenger: Ernst Pattynama
Beatrice/Boy/Second Watch: Elizabeth Klett
Hero: Amanda Friday
Don Pedro: Bruce Pirie
Benedick: mb
Don John: Eden Rea-Hedrick
Claudio: Beth Thomas
Antonio: Larry Wilson
Conrade: Brett Downey
Borachio: Chris Cartwright
Balthazar: James Silverstein
Margaret: Arielle Lipshaw
Ursula: Sarah Parshall
Dogberry: Alan Mapstone
Verges: Charlotte Duckett
First Watchman: rookieblue
Friar Francis: bala
Sexton/Lord: Todd
Narrator: Libby Gohn

Audio edited by mb and gloriana

• Language: English
• Publisher: LibriVox
• Release date: Aug 25, 2014

William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare (1564–1616) is arguably the most famous playwright to ever live. Born in England, he attended grammar school but did not study at a university. In the 1590s, Shakespeare worked as partner and performer at the London-based acting company, the King’s Men. His earliest plays were Henry VI and Richard III, both based on the historical figures. During his career, Shakespeare produced nearly 40 plays that reached multiple countries and cultures. Some of his most notable titles include Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet and Julius Caesar. His acclaimed catalog earned him the title of the world’s greatest dramatist.