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Synopsis
Much Ado, written by award-winning journalist Michael Lenehan, gives readers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the lauded American Players Theatre's 2014 production of William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing. Wall Street Journal drama critic Terry Teachout has called the APT--based in the unassuming town of Spring Green, Wisconsin--"the best classical theater company in America." It's also one of the most successful, with an annual budget of $6 million and ticket sales of more than 100,000 each season. Performing almost entirely outdoors, rain or shine, on the "Up the Hill" stage, the company has established a reputation for authentic, accessible, entertaining shows--and Much Ado was no exception, selling nearly 23,000 tickets during its five-month run. Through Lenehan's keen reporter eyes, Much Ado explores the evolution of this complicated stage production, from casting to costumes to curtain call. In doing so, it provides readers with a deeper sense of the company's astonishing artistry and craft, a peek into the intricate technical logistics involved with outdoor theater, and a refreshing perspective on one of the Bard's most famous plays.
Lenehan weaves together firsthand observations and literary analysis with interviews with key members of the APT's artistic ensemble and production staff--including lauded director David Frank, lead actors Colleen Madden (Beatrice) and David Daniel (Benedick), and set and costume designer Robert Morgan--to paint a remarkable portrait of one of our most treasured artistic institutions. New & Used
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What Reviewers Are Saying
Praise for Michael Lenehan's Much Ado:
"He shows us with rare clarity how a professional company prepares a production. . . . A series of bright, clear photographs of what the author saw when he pulled aside the curtain in a Wisconsin Oz. " -Kirkus Reviews
"An in-depth and endearing profile of the American Players Theatre." -Publishers Weekly
"Avid theatergoers and those who want to know more about APT will find this behind-the-scenes look, with its affectionate portrayal of the frenzy and magic of theater, engaging and insightful." -Booklist
"Very smart. . . . A fascinating study of stagecraft." -Chicago Reader
"A wonderfully inspiring book for performing arts lovers in general and theatre people in particular. It's good for us all to be reminded that joyously creative greatness is not the sole property of two coasts and a few mega-cities somewhere in between." -Theater Jones
"Written in clear, accessible prose and takes nothing for granted. One need not be an APT fan, Bard lover or theater geek to enjoy it (although all will). . . . It's nice to see a good book make so much ado about the many magicians bringing those moments to life." -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"When Lenehan takes the time to probe deeper, the book is at its best. . . . an impressive assortment of information and backstage tidbits that give his readers a sense that, yes, there is much ado when it comes to mounting a stage production of this size and caliber." -TruthDig
"With a warm, knowing tone, he relates the ensemble's collaborative decision-making process as the members come together to perform one of the Bard's greatest comedies. . . . Lenehan's passion infuses this short, smart, and sweet book." -National Book Review
"He shows us with rare clarity how a professional
"An in-depth and endearing profile of the American Players Theatre." -Publishers Weekly
"Avid theatergoers
"Very smart. . . . A fascinating study of stagecraft." -Chicago Reader
"A wonderfully inspiring book for performing arts lovers in general and theatre people in particular. It's good for us all to be reminded that joyously creative greatness is not the sole property of two coasts and a few mega-cities somewhere in between." -Theater Jones
"Written in clear, accessible prose and takes nothing for granted. One need not be an APT fan, Bard lover or theater geek to enjoy it (although all will). . . . It's nice to see a good book make so much ado about the many magicians bringing those moments to life." -Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
"When Lenehan takes the time to probe deeper, the book is at its best. . . . an impressive assortment of information and backstage tidbits that give his readers a sense that, yes, there is much ado when it comes to mounting a stage production of this size and caliber." -TruthDig
"With a warm, knowing tone, he relates the ensemble's collaborativ