The Bonstelle Theatre, on the campus of Wayne State University will open its 53rd season with Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Lust, desire, and manipulation reign in Shakespeare's provocative comedy about love and a merry war between the cunning Beatrice and the maniacal Benedick.

Believed to first have been performed between 1597 and 1599, (around the same time the Globe Theatre was completed), "Much Ado" was written during what is noted as the "artistic maturity" period of Shakespeare's career, when his comedies did not rely on pratfalls and cheap shots, as much as they did earlier in his career.

Actor/director Nancy Lipschultz makes her Bonstelle directorial debut with Much Ado About Nothing. The talented young cast includes Joe Porter (Cheboygan), Jennifer Sessions (Royal Oak), Christopher Williams (Inkster), Sarah Switanowski (Warren), Sara Garza (St. Claire Shores), Julie Smelser (St. Clair), and Renelle White (Detroit). "Much Ado" also features scenic designs by Hilberry Company Member Kristen Compton, and lighting designs by Christopher Kulesa.

Much Ado About Nothing plays at the Bonstelle Theatre located at 3424 Woodward Avenue, October 24- 26 and October 31- November 2. Performance times are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $8 - $10. Discounts are available for students, seniors, Wayne State faculty and staff, and members of the Wayne State University Alumni Association. Special discounts are also available for groups of 15 or more. For more information and tickets to Much Ado About Nothing, please call Wayne State University's Theatre Box Office at (313) 577-2960.