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Much Ado About Nothing

Written by

William Shakespeare

Directed By

Charlie Blackwood

Show Dates

7/4 (1pm)- 7/6 & 7/11-7/13

About
The
Show

Much Ado About Nothing is a modern twist on Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy Much Ado About Nothing. While the heart of the original remains—witty banter, mistaken identities, and a battle of the sexes—this reimagined version brings the story into a contemporary setting, with fresh language, updated characters, and a vibrant energy that connects with today’s audience. It’s Shakespeare with a wink—clever, chaotic, and totally current.


Note: While we list the Age and Gender of the characters as written by William Shakespeare, we do not select cast based on any parameter other than their theri ability to portray the role.

Cast

Don Pedro

Steve Neils

Steve is delighted to play Don Pedro in his second production at STAR Society. He previously appeared as the ghost in last winter'sHamlet. His current interests include photography, learning guitar and improving his chess game. His 70's playlist includes Player's "Baby Come Back", Ace's "How Long" and the Tavares' version of "More Than a Woman".

Benedick

Roxy McCorkle

Roxy (she/they) is beyond excited to be playing Benedick in her first production with STAR, as Much Ado About Nothing is their favorite Shakespeare show! They are currently a student at Clackamas Community College, majoring in Film. She has acted in multiple roles in the Student Performance Showcases at CCC throughout this year. They would like to thank all of their amazing family, friends, and the people at STAR for all of their endless love and support. Enjoy the show!

Beatrice

Haley Coupe

Haley Coupe is thrilled to return to the stage after a 12 year hiatus in a role she first played at 13 years old. Previous roles include: Ghost of Spirit Past in Marley and Scrooge at Cottage Theater, Ensemble in Brigadoon at The Shedd in Eugene, Ensemble in A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court at The Shedd in Eugene, along with many others. Haley comes from a family embedded in theater and performing. It was her mother’s dream to see her back on stage in her lifetime, a dream which unfortunately couldn’t be realized. This performance is dedicated to the life of Darlene Morton, whose lifelong passion for theater inspired Haley to revisit this long lost passion.

Hero

Miranda Zigler

Miranda Zigler (she/her) is excited to be back at STAR for a third performance! Miranda has been involved in theater on and offstage virtually her entire life. Favorite roles include Kit Kat Girl in Cabaret, Marcy Park in Spelling Bee, and most recently Ophelia in Hamlet. She also was the production manager for this show!  She wants to thank everyone for coming to support local theater!

Claudio

Aria Root

Aria Root (she/he/they) is beyond thrilled to be playing Claudio in Much Ado About Nothing. This is their fourth show at Star. She was last seen as Joanne in Come Back To The Five and Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean, Marcellus/First Player in Hamlet, and a Phantom in Rocky Horror. He also attends and participates in shows at Clackamas Community College. Outside of theatre she enjoys makeup, fashion, and cosplay. As well as a much too large doll collection.

Leonato

Paul Schildan

Paul is a charismatic performer who spent the last 13 years entertaining audiences with his art instruction, both in-person (he co-owns Vine Gogh with his wife Jenny) and on YouTube.  He recently starred as "Paul" in Opposites Attract by Pamela Whitchurch, and "Polonius" in Shakespeare's Hamlet, directed by August Hartman.  In his free time, Paul enjoys golf, painting and music.

Antonia / Sexton

Taylor Funrue

Taylor has been an Oregonian all her life and proudly has a degree and a career in the STEM field. While she has starred in many productions from her living room and her car, this is her first theater production she has performed in and it most definitely won't be the last. Taylor sends love and thanks to her biggest cheerleaders who nudged her into taking on this wonderful opportunity.

Margaret

Noelle Gottfried

Noelle Gottfried (she/they) is delighted to return to the STAR Society stage, where she previously appeared as Gertrude in Hamlet. Noelle is thrilled to take on the role of Margaret in Much Ado About Nothing and to contribute behind the scenes as the show’s costume designer. She is deeply grateful to her friends and family for their endless love and encouragement, and to the audience for continuing to support the magic of live theater.

Seacole / Girl / Balthasar

Cooper Dotson

Cooper is honored to be returning for their third show at Sherwood Star Society!! They were previously Edna Louise in Come Back To The Five & Dime Jimmy Dean Jimmy Dean, as well as Guildenstern in Hamlet! They are currently attending Clackamas Community College. In their free time, Cooper loves script writing. Cooper’s dream show is Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead.

Don John / Verges

Emily Ogle

Emily is thrilled to be doing her first show with STAR Society! She performed in a couple high school plays and is ready to expand her acting experience in this production! She grew up in Northern California and moved to Oregon in 2020. Lives in Sherwood and works in early childhood education. In her spare, time she enjoys spending time with her pets, being out in the rain and overthinking.

Conrade / Friar Francis

Riley Dickerson

Riley Dickerson was born and raised in Oregon, he also works with kids.  He has four cats and a dog and likes to cook and dance. He is 24 years old and is excited for the future.

Dogberry

Aaron Richard

Aaron Richard has been performing in shows in Sherwood since middle school and all through High School, performing shows such as Guys and Dolls, Grease and A Christmas Carol. After high school he performed in shows such as Anything Goes, Hello Dolly, Little Shop of Horrors, and most recently The Rocky Horror Show. This is his first time performing in a Shakespeare play, and he’s very excited to be playing Dogberry.

Ensemble

Production Crew

Volunteer

If you want to be involved without being in the spotlight, we always need volunteers!

The Venue

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