Much Ado About Nothing

Much Ado About Nothing – Full Performance by St. Thomas Aquinas Players Thomas Aquinas College’s stage ensemble presents Shakespeare’s beloved comedy Much Ado About Nothing. Exploring humanity at its simplest, the play follows the sworn bachelor Benedick as he falls, against his will, in love with his swift-tongued challenger Beatrice. Meanwhile, Benedick’s friend Claudio falls in love with Beatrice’s cousin Hero, provoking the jealousy of the villainous Don John, who seeks to destroy their happiness through treachery. In true Shakespearean fashion, the snares set for the lovers are ultimately unraveled by the play’s fools. Love triumphs, and, after a lot of ado about nothing, the story concludes with a joyous double wedding. Recorded in Olivia Music Hall at Thomas Aquinas College, Northfield, Massachusetts – March 7, 2026. Acknowledgements: Costumes by Mrs. Santos; backdrop by Antonia Fitzpatrick (‘27) and Maximino Merriam (‘27); lights and stage by Kiernan McManus (‘27), Peter Doylend (‘28), Yvette Milligan (‘29); recording made by Philip Fiacco (‘28) Cast Don Pedro – Gabriel Cecchi (‘28) Benedick – Franz Alexander Forrester (‘26) Claudio – Gabriel Livingston (‘28) Lord – Clement Stoutz (‘29) Balthasar – Matthew Santos (‘26) Boy – John Paul Gardner Don John – William Rosa (‘27) Borachio – Nicolas Metilly (‘29) Conrad – Brendan Carney (‘28) Leonato – Ryan Veasman (‘29) Hero – Emily Runyan (‘28) Beatrice – Sophia Forrester (‘29) Antonio – Thomas Dula (‘26) Margaret – Antonia Fitzpatrick (‘27) Ursula – Bothilde Dowell (‘28) Friar Francis – David Johnson (‘29) Dogberry – Gregory Maynard (‘26) Verges – Vincent Buelk (‘28) Sexton – Gerald Faist (‘27) The Watch – Lucia Johnson (‘29), Adelaide Morrissey (‘28), Nathaniel Brinck-Lund (‘29), Levi Smail (‘29) Messenger – John Schmitt (‘29) Musician – Michael DiIulio (‘28) Production Director – Ethan Connelly (‘27) Assistant Director and Stage Manager – Eleanor Stoutz (‘27) Production Manager – Teresa Bingham (‘26)