Freewill Shakespeare returns to Hawrelak with 'Much Ado About Nothing'

Freewill Shakespeare Festival has reclaimed its home. After more than five years away from Hawrelak Park's Heritage Amphitheatre — displaced by COVID-19 and city renovations — the troupe opened its homecoming with "Much Ado About Nothing," the very play it was set to launch when the pandemic arrived.

Running through June 28, the production reunites the company with a beloved outdoor venue and the audiences who have missed live Shakespeare in the park. A second show, "Something Rotten!" — a Shakespearean musical — runs July 1 to 12 in the same amphitheatre.

Director Ian Leung has scaled the ensemble to ten actors, with several doing double duty. The decision works. Troy O'Donnell anchors the Sicilian governor Leonato; John Ullyatt brings charm to Prince Don Pedro; and Jesse Gervais and Vanessa Sabourin steal scenes as Benedick and Beatrice, the sparring lovers whose wit masks genuine affection.

Gervais's physical comedy is exceptional — hiding behind a plant with an ear cocked while overhearing news of Beatrice's supposed love lands every laugh. Sabourin matches his energy, showing how readily an acid exterior dissolves into warmth. Ron Pederson, playing both the scheming Don John and the bumbling constable Dogberry, mines comedy gold from a pair of glasses he can't keep on his face.

The play itself poses challenges for modern audiences. The plot hinges on lies Claudio and Leonato believe all too easily about Hero, and the resolution — Hero reunites with Claudio — sits uneasily with contemporary sensibilities. Yet under Leung's steady direction and supported by strong performances, the production earns goodwill, especially set against a Friday sky that briefly turned blue, on a moderately warm night after a long absence from one of Edmonton's most special spots.

Tickets start at $30 (children free) at freewillshakespeare.com. Check the website for pay-what-you-will performance information.