The Public's Much Ado About Nothing

This bold interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece features Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) and Grantham Coleman (“Buzzer,” “The Americans”) as the sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick. Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“American Son,” “A Raisin in the Sun”) directs with choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown (“Choir Boy”). Set in contemporary Georgia with an election race underway, Great Performances: Much Ado About Nothing finds the community of Messina celebrating a break from an ongoing war, but not all is peaceful amid the merriment. Former rivals battle it out, revenge is sought and trickery runs amok in this timeless comedy of romantic retribution and miscommunication. Earning a New York Times Critic’s Pick, the play was recorded during its final weekend of Free Shakespeare in the Park performances, June 22-23, 2019.

Full Cast of The Public's Much Ado About Nothing

Danielle Brooks as Beatrice

Danielle Brooks

Beatrice

Danielle Brittany Brooks (born September 17, 1989) is an American actress and singer. She is best known for her role...

Chuck Cooper as Leonato

Chuck Cooper

Leonato

Won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor for his portrayal of Memphis in The Life. His other Broadway credits...

Erik LaRay Harvey as Antonio/Verges

Erik LaRay Harvey

Antonio/Verges

Erik LaRay Harvey is an American actor best known for his roles as Dunn Pursley in Boardwalk Empire and Willis...

Kai Heath

Messenger

Jamar Brathwaite

Ensemble

Khiry Walker

Conrade/Ensemble

Crew of The Public's Much Ado About Nothing

Full backstage crew list →