Much ado houston

Just as the overture seems to get going, it stops; the music slows and it becomes clear that the opening was merely the introduction to the introduction. After a yearning string melody , the fiery music resumes as the main body of the overture begins in earnest.

Like many opera overtures, this one eschews an extended development and moves directly into a reprise of the main themes although Berlioz does introduce some daring harmonies into the transition between them.

The overture ends with orchestral laughter, preparing the way for the Shakespearean comedy that follows. We want to hear from you! Tell us what you think in the comments below. Head over to Miller Outdoor Theatre right now to savor the alfresco delights of the University of Houston's annual Shakespeare Festival, where combat — on the battlefield and in the bedroom — lies heavy in the air, perfuming all.

The execution: Written about the same time, c. Both plays, like everything Shakespeare wrote, are eternally destined to be relevant, no matter in what century they're performed. Can you possibly imagine that in years, we will gather at an outdoor theater to watch the collected works of Arthur Miller? I don't think so.

Much Ado is classic Bard comedy, filled with sparkling wit, a masked ball, eavesdropping, mistaken identity, the lowest of low comedy shtick that would be constable Dogberry with his Keystone Kops sidekicks, who tire us quickly , and the inevitable Shakespearean darkness that threatens the happy ending. But the gloom is quickly dispelled, lovers united, the villain caught and punished tomorrow, and for now, let's dance.

You could hear the audience purr its appreciation when feisty Beatrice lets loose her zingers on equally spirited Benedick. The matched couple, outwardly disparaging but inwardly yearning, are the play's heart, the reason for all this ado.

Thomas and Poole react beautifully together, casting their barbs with precision. We know from the start they're meant for each other. During her eavesdropping scene to get a better vantage point, Thomas glides to the bench behind the potted palm. It's fairly silly and completely out of character, but the sheer exuberance of the gesture brought down the house.

And Poole is just as physical: all puffed pride. Had it not been for the optimistic meddling of their friends, they may have gone on forever sniping at each other for fear of being vulnerable. Shakespeare seems to be arguing for a blend of romance and reason. Just as Hero and Claudio would benefit from leveler heads and a stronger foundation in friendship, Benedick and Beatrice need permission to set aside their jests and surrender to their passions. Thankfully, even while depicting this dichotomy, Branagh leaves plenty of room for fun and laughter.

Robert Sean Leonard best known at the time for his sensitive and passionate character in the film Dead Poets Society and Kate Beckinsale a young ingenue herself at the time, only 18 years old play the naive and innocent Claudio and Hero.