The Covey Center has produced Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” with a Halloween twist. Covey Center’s “Much Ado about Zombies” catches the eye with unique lighting, music and choreography.
Eric Samuelson, director of the production, used one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies to create a spookier production. The production is set in steam-punk style with special effects and an original score.
“I have always loved Shakespearean plays,” Samuleson said. “I was approached to do this play, and I wondered how I would get this to work. I wanted to be sure that we found some way to illuminate Shakespeare’s play. It has been a good experience to really get a deeper look at the original, ‘Much Ado about Nothing.’ This show has really come together and will be entertaining for all ages.”
“Much Ado about Zombies” is a love story of two people, Beatrice and Benedick, who have rejected love but nonetheless find one another. As their love story unfolds, zombies enter the picture.
“I believe that college students will be very impressed with the zombies and steam-punk setting,” said Jennifer Chapin Mustoe, an actress in the production. “The production is a very different and unique show than what is usually shown at The Covey Center.”
The production is filled with comic moments, including a scene in which a string zombie trio plays Pachelbel’s Canon. Dubstep music and dancing sprinkle the show, creating moments more comedic than scary.
“I think that the audience will really enjoy the glow in the dark makeup and effects,” said Leah Hodson, an acting student at BYU. “We have glow-in-the-dark zombie juice with UV makeup that the zombies wear to make them glow in the dark. It is the most fun Halloween activity that you will ever do.”
“Much Ado about Zombies” will continue performances Oct. 27–Nov. 1 at the Covey Center for the Arts in Provo. The production will start at 7:30 p.m. each day, and ticket prices range from $14 to $16.
“The show obviously has zombies in it, but isn’t too scary. It is originally a romantic comedy, and once you add zombies to it the show becomes a completely different experience,” Samuelson said. “It isn’t remarkably gory, and there isn’t anything that is unpleasant to watch. It will be a fun Halloween date night.”
