NEW YORK - Much Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel TheaterWilliam Shakespeare wrote the comedy Much Ado About Nothing over 400 years ago, and it has remained the same throughout the centuries. But thanks to Thomas G. Waites, this modern version presented at the Gene Frankel Theater is so enticing to experience I’m inclined to call it Much Ado About Something and so much more. Kaitlyn Mitchell (Beatrice) and Jake Minevich (Benedick) in a scene from Much Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel Theater. Photo by Rob KleinLaughter and SecretsWaites’ production takes place in the 1940s, when soldiers return from war, and so begins the laughter, secrets, and deceptiveness presented throughout the story. Included are two romantic pairings of lovers intertwined with intrigue, action, and soft piano keyboard music, and this present-day performance is terrific. Waites’ brilliant direction and skill in teaching his actors preserve the perfections of Shakespeare’s language while the plot follows the original storyline.SeductionThe seductive Beatrice (Kaitlyn Mitchell) is witty, a goodhearted jokester who teases everyone around her, yet saves her intense mockery for Benedick (Jakob Minevich), a gentleman soldier well equipped to return her jeering.Benedick proudly boasts he will never marry and states his distrust of every woman, especially Beatrice. How little he knows of his fate with this alluring beauty.Twist or FateClaudio (Dillon John Collins), who professes he wishes to rekindle his feelings with Hero (Jordan Elizabeth Gelber), accompanies Benedick, hoping to marry her. They plan a masquerade ball, where other characters engage in plotting, and chaos ensues, but when the dust settles, Claudio is promised Hero’s hand in marriage. Beatrice and Benedick publicly profess their love for one another through a simple twist of fate. But for Claudio and Hero, a happy ending is not always the case in a Shakespeare comedy, or is it? You need to follow the plot closely; the ending won’t be divulged in this review. L-R: Jordan Elizabeth Gelber (Hero) & Dillon John Collins (Claudio), Matt McGlade (Ursula), Brandon Thomas Lima (Margaret) in a scene from Much Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel Theater. Photo by Rob KleinGleefulWaites was in the audience and appeared gleeful like a child while watching his masterpiece unfold. He remarked how proud he was of the actors onstage, who were all part of his acting studio at this site. The production was funded with the help of Kelsey Grammer, whom Waites said he befriended while they both attended Juilliard. Matt McGlade (Ursula), Brandon Thomas Lima (Margaret), Jordan Elizabeth Gelber (Hero) & Kaitlyn Mitchell (Beatrice) in a scene from Much Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel Theater. Photo by Rob Klein“We need some culture in these times of strife,” Waites said. “There are some great young actors in this group, actors who work hard and put in their time. The play has been extended because of the demand for tickets.”Let’s celebrate that Grammer and Waites continue to support The Bard and bring such a fine production as the 2024 production of Much Ado About Nothing to the stage. Don’t miss it. Jordan Bell as Secole Friar. Sitting - Dillon John Collins (Claudio) & Jake Minevich (Benedick). in a scene from Much Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel Theater. Photo by Rob KleinMuch Ado About Nothing at the Gene Frankel TheaterWritten by William Shakespeare and presented by Kelsey Grammer and Faith American Brewing Company at the Gene Frankel Theater. Directed by Thomas G. Waites. Starring Jakob Minevich, Kaitlyn Mitchell, Dillon John Collins, Jordan Elizabeth Gelber, Jacque Coqueran, Surge, David Manganiello, Luis Guillen, Matt McGlade, Brandon Lima, Arnie Mazer, John Galligan, Jordan Allen Bell and Cedric Allen Hill. Press by Alton PR/Andrea Alton.The show runs through July 7th.Gene Frankel Theater24 Bond StreetNew York, NY 10012(212) 777-1767TicketsReaders may also enjoy our reviews of Ella the Ungovernable at the Theater for the New City, Whale Fall Abyss, All of Me at The Pershing Square Signature Center, Mention My Beauty at Pangea, HOME by the Roundabout Theatre Company, The Welkin by the Atlantic Theater Company, and Beautiful: The Carole King Musical at the Paper Mill Playhouse.https://youtu.be/TDUCSr7E0VI?si=Pm7rXKtqkE5hAooO