The Queer Theatre Project Presents our 3rd Annual Shakes-Queer Production of:
Much Ado About Nothing
Triumphant from competition, young "Prince" Peter and his friends Claud and Benedick return to Camp Messina, a summer theater camp for talented youngsters, with one thing on their mind. Miscommunications, hormones, hookups, and teenage treachery ensue!
This show runs for about 90 minutes with no intermission.
Cast
Beatrice — Layne Alexandra
Beatrice understudy — Rachael Beaumont
Benedick — Graham Cousins
Benedick understudy — Aislinn Blute
Claud — Caitlin Donnelly
Claud understudy — Sky Karp
Hero — Ceara Buzzell
Hero understudy — Lily Mittnight
Peter — Jenna Schlags
Leona — AJ Holt
Toni — Matisse DuPont
John — Syd Romo
Margaret — Kate Sokol
Borachio — JB (Joanne Baranofsky)
Conrad — Kael Alberghini
Dogberry — Sarah Nechamen
Verges — Cross Woodfield-LaFauci
Balthasar — C. Fox Ditelberg
Ursula — Rachael Beaumont
Sexton — Marina Pasion
Counselor Francis — Lawrence Gullo
Messenger — Marlena Starrs
First Watchguard — Massoud B
2nd watch (George Seacole) — Bonnie Atterstrom
3rd Watch (Hugh Oatcake) — Lily Mittnight
Camp Ensemble — Raminta Holden, Aislinn Blute, Sky Karp, Savannah Paul, and Chandler Pettigrew
Crew
Director — Beca Oliveira
Asst. Director — Raminta Holden
Stage Managers — Kylie Terra, Alana Weiss, and Lenny Somervell
Executive Producer — Matisse DuPont
Producer — Arielle Greenspan
Asst. Producer — Gavin Damore
Social Media + Graphic Design — Madi Fabber and Sam Cavedon
Choreographer — Layne Alexandra
Production Manager — Aaron Olkin
Sets/Props — Jenna Schlags and Sara Bartol with assistance from Caitlin Donnelly, Matisse DuPont, and AJ Holt
Costumes — Camilla Elvis and Cross Woodfield-LaFauci
Makeup — Cross Woodfield-LaFauci and WITJ
This production was made possible by generous donations from:
Theresa Reinhard, Elizabeth Shavers, Mallory Anzalone, Mark Costello, Anonymous, Anonymous, Margaret Lewis, Erin Becker, Chai Reynolds, Alana Weiss, Dalia Bernotas, Anne Yonkers, Linda Kaboolian, Hannah Elder, Yvonne Wingard, Greg Holden, Kathryn E Caldwell, Rachael Beaumont, Anonymous, Sam Cavedon, Casey Nordberg, Anonymous, Bonnie Jansen, Jane Ditelberg, Jacob Hickle, Caroline Kim, Nupur Sutaria, Monika Hyatt, Heidi Mitchell, Bethany Constance, Raminta Holden, Alexis Hofer, Rosa Abbnous, Anonymous, Henry Beguiristain, Amanda Roderick, Emily Martin, Anonymous, and Joanne Baranofsky.
Characters
BEATRICE
Leona’s stepdaughter and Hero’s stepsister. Daughter of Toni. Beatrice is a public high school senior, “a pleasant-spirited lady” with a very sharp tongue. She is generous and loving, but, like Benedick, continually mocks other people with elaborately tooled jokes and puns. She wages a war of wits against Benedick (her ex) and often wins the battles. At the outset of the play, she appears content never to settle down.
BENEDICK
A private school senior who has just returned from winning the Big State Drama Competition in Peter’s team, and a friend of Peter and Claud. Benedick is very witty, always making jokes and puns. He carries on a “merry war” of wits with Beatrice (his ex), but at the beginning of the play, he swears he will never fall in love or settle down.
CLAUD
A tenderqueer who has recently returned from States, with notable acclaim. Claud falls in love with Hero upon his return to Camp Messina. Their anxious attachment style makes him quick to believe evil rumors and hasty to despair and take revenge.
HERO
The beautiful young daughter of Leona and the stepsister of Beatrice. Step-daughter to Toni. Hero is lovely, gentle, and kind. She falls in love with Claud when he falls for her, but when John slanders her and Claud rashly takes revenge, she suffers terribly.
PETER
An important Rich Kid from Town and recent high school graduate, sometimes referred to as “Prince” - gotta love those camp names! Peter is a longtime camper at Camp Messina, and is now a CIT. He is also close to the campers who have been competing under him—the younger Benedick and the very young Claud. Peter is generous, courteous, intelligent, and loving to his friends, but he is also quick to believe evil of others and hasty to take revenge. He is the most politically and socially powerful character in the play.
LEONA
A respected, well-to-do, townie at whose Camp Messina the action is set. Leona is married to Toni and is the parent of Hero and the stepparent of Beatrice. As Director of Messina, she is second in social power only to Peter. She is not aware of this last fact.
TONI
Leona’s put-upon partner and Hero's stepparent. Beatrice’s parent. The one who actually does all the paperwork and keeps the camp licensed and open.
JOHN
The illegitimate brother of Peter; sometimes called “the Bastard” - not because of his birth, he’s just a dick that way. John is melancholy and sullen by nature, and he creates a dark scheme to ruin the happiness of Hero and Claud. He is the villain of the play; his evil actions are motivated by his envy of his brother’s social circle.
MARGARET
Hero’s friend, who unwittingly helps Borachio and John deceive Claud into thinking that Hero is unfaithful. Unlike Ursula, Hero’s other bestie, Margaret is lower class. Though she is honest, she does have some dealings with the villainous world of John: her lover is the mistrustful and easily bribed Borachio. Also unlike Ursula, Margaret loves to break decorum, especially with bawdy jokes and teases.
BORACHIO
An associate of John - John would never call them “friends.” Borachio is the lover of Margaret, Hero’s friend. He conspires with John to trick Claud and Peter into thinking that Hero is unfaithful to Claud. His name means “drunkard” in Italian, which might serve as a subtle direction to the actor playing him.
CONRAD
One of John’s more intimate associates, entirely devoted to John. They’re 100% hooking up, but refuse to own up to it.
DOGBERRY
The head of Camp Messina’s “security.” Dogberry is very sincere and takes his job seriously, but he is poorly educated and stoned most of the time. They’re the guy who reads Kafka and thinks they’re smart, despite not understanding three words in a row.
VERGES
The deputy to Dogberry. Just as dumb, way more stoned.
BALTHASAR
A musician / CIT at Camp Messina. Balthasar flirts with Margaret at the masked party and helps Leona, Claud, and Peter trick Benedick into falling in love with Beatrice.
URSULA
One of Hero’s friends.
SEXTON
Questions the villains.
COUNSELOR FRANCIS
The camp’s counselor - and self-appointed spiritual advisor - who is the “voice of reason” in the show. Compassion, patience, (humor) and stability are keys to his character.
MESSENGER
The Messenger is sent by Peter to announce his coming to Leona.
FIRST WATCH
The First Watch suggests either George Seacoal or Hugh Oatcake as leaders of the patrol, on the basis of their ability to read and write. He joins in the testimony to the Sexton.
SECOND WATCH
The Second Watch (George Seacoal) is a member of the Watch who is able to read and write, and is therefore put in charge of the nightly patrol.
THE WATCH
The Watchmen (one of whom is Hugh Oatcake) are part of the camp security that Dogberry commands, charged with patrolling the streets of Messina at night.
Meet the Company
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Aaron Olkin — Production Manager
(he/him)
Returning for his second show with QTP, this time as production manager, Aaron is excited to work with all of the wonderful team to help bring this ridiculously delightful production to the stage! Previously he designed the lighting and sound for QTP's 2022 Qabaret at the Cambridge Foundry.
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Aislinn Blute — Benedick Understudy/Camp Ensemble
Aislinn is a verified shakesqueer and is thrilled for the opportunity to be in one of her favorite Shakespeare shows. They also can't convey their excitement for the chance to queer her favorite sassy masc lead the incorrigible Benedick.
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AJ Holt — Leona
(they/them)
This is AJ’s third QTP Shakespeare production. They have also served as Director for QTP’s Qabaret. When AJ isn’t doing theater they are working as a mental health counselor or playing cozy video games.
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Alana Weiss — Stage Manager
Alana thanks you for coming to see the show! While this is her first show with QTP, Alana has been SMing / PMing for much of her life - including for another Much Ado production by the Public Theater! Now, without further ado... enjoy!
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Arielle Greenspan — Producer
(she/her)
Arielle is a Boston-based Jewish theatre artist. She will have a medium coconut cold brew and an order of hashbrowns. She does not realize that this is not a Dunkin.
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Rebeca Oliveira — Director
(she/her)
Rebeca is thrilled to make her directorial debut with this troupe, with this play. She's a founding member of QTP, having played Bottom in MidSummer and Malvolio in Twelfth Night, and a mother, partner, knitter, gourmand, admin by day and multi-purpose weirdo by night.
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Bonnie Atterstrom — George Seacole
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C. Fox Ditelberg — Balthasar
(they/them)
Fox is over the moon to be making their QTP debut. When off stage, they are a rising senior at Emerson College studying film and television. Recent credits include Macbeth: The Musical (EC Inside Joke), The Tempest (Goodly Creatures), and The Man Who Came to Dinner (North Riverside Players). They would like to thank their parents for always supporting them no matter what, QTP for creating a theatre environment where they could be fully themself, and you for coming to the show! Yes, you specifically.
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Caitlin Donnelly — Claud
Caitlin has been involved in previous QTP shows, including playing Demetrius in A Midsummer Night’s Dream and directing Twelfth Night. She’s either a globetrotting socialite or three capybaras in a secondhand velvet coat. Nobody knows for sure.
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Camilla Elvis — Costumes
(she/her)
Camilla is happy to still be playing with dress up as an adult. This is her first time doing costumes for a show.
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Ceara Buzzell — Hero
(she/her)
Ceara has a long history on the stage and is delighted to be diving back into the world of queer Shakespeare (is there any other kind?) with this wonderful group. She hopes you enjoy this completely straight-forward, drama-free story.
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Chandler Pettigrew — Camp Ensemble
Chandler recently moved back to the Boston area and wants to relive their theater kid days.
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Cross Woodfield-LaFauci — Verges + Aesthetics
(they/her)
Cross is ecstatic to be performing in their 5th QTP production! Outside of theater, Cross is a therapist, program director, astrologer, partner to Anthony, and a proud pet-parent of two cats and an elderly bearded dragon.
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Gavin Damore — Assistant Producer
Gavin is excited to be working on his first production since the pandemic. He previously worked in marketing for Goodman Theatre in Chicago.
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Graham Cousins — Benedick
(he/him)
Graham is very excited to be acting again for the first time since college and even more excited to do it with such a wonderful group of people.
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JB (Joanne Baranofsky) — Borachio
(she/her)
JB is proud to be part of her fifth Queer Theatre Project and third Shakesqueer production! Living in East Boston, JB spends her free time reading a little bit, wishing she read more, watching baking shows on Discovery+, going out for dinner and drinks with friends, visiting her nephews, and working a full-time job. She just wishes she had more time to seek out the dark forces and join their hellish crusade.
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Jenna Schlags — Peter + Sets/Props
Jenna is excited to join the cast and crew of Much Ado for her second QTP production! She is the Director of Finance and Operations at the Foundry, a new arts and community center in Cambridge. Jenna is also a playwright and artist, and her short plays have been performed in both New York and Boston.
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Kael Alberghini — Conrad
Kael is returning for another Shakespearean role with Queer Theatre Company & excited to continue to build queer community through performing arts!
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Kate Sokol — Margaret
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Kylie Terra Burnham — Stage Manager
Kylie has been with QTP since our first production in 2021, as a stage manager, actor, choreographer, sound designer and even bookmaker. You can find her singing karaoke at the Jeanie Johnston and engaging in Bi+ activism (which, yes, includes throwing parties). This summer, she wants to make puzzles out of Renaissance paintings of women from biblical apocrypha who beheaded men.
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Layne Alexandra — Beatrice
(she/they)
Layne is stoked to make her Boston theater debut! Actor. Feminist. Apple Ripper. Layne (like the road) obtained her Master of Fine Arts in musical theater from the Boston Conservatory. She craves theater that not only speaks, but roars. Some notable theater credits include: Betsy/Lindsey in Clybourne Park, Lydia Languish in The Rivals, Kathy Selden in Singin’ in the Rain, Logainne Schwartzy in The 25th Annual...Spelling Bee, being a cast member at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival, directing Paul’s Ghost, co-creating “Mental Health: a Story told through Movement,” and creating her thesis “Fuck Beauty is Pain.”
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Lenny Somervell — Stage Manager
(she/her)
Lenny is happy to be participating in her first QTP production. She hopes you enjoy the show!
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Lily Mittnight — Hero Understudy + Hugh Oatcake
(she/her)
Lily is so excited to be performing again, especially with a company as cool as the Queer Theatre Project. Lily is grateful to be playing a character not too different from herself. Funny, bumbling, and often confused about what’s going on at any given moment.
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Madi Fabber — Social Media/Graphic Design
Madi is super excited to be a part of the Queer Theater Project! As someone who likes Shakespeare and makes Much Ado about a whole bunch of things, she cannot wait to cheer everyone on in this wonderful production.
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Marina Pasion — Sexton
(she/her)
Marina is delighted to be a part of another QTP production!
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Marlena Starrs — Messenger
(they/them)
Marlena is so excited to be appearing in their first ever QTP show. Outside the theater they also enjoy reading and writing spooky stories, baking, and hanging out with lovely partner Sara and their cats, Egg and Bacon.
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Massoud B — The Watch
Massoud loves design, performance, and pop culture. Years after doing theatre in middle school, he rediscovered the joy of theatre participating in QTP's Shakes-Queer productions. Living in Somerville, he watches a lot of tv & enjoys dancing (& lip-syncing, obviously!) to the disco divas of 1970s Iran.
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Matisse DuPont — Toni + Executive Producer
Matisse is the founder of the Queer Theatre Project. With QTP, they directed and produced A Midsummer Night's Dream Summer 2021, produced Twelfth Night and [title of show] Spring and Summer 2022, and hosted Qabaret Autumn 2022. Matisse is thrilled for the opportunity to be in the show this time!
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Rachael Beaumont — Beatrice Understudy + Ursula
(she/they)
Rachael with the blessing of her D&D party is excited to be returning to theater after a fifteen year absence from the stage and a relocation halfway across the country. A cat-mom with a degree in theater education she’s excited to finally use it to queer up theater even more.
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Raminta Holden — Assistant Director + Camp Ensemble
(she/her)
Raminta appeared in QTP's Qabaret in December and is excited to be involved in her first QTP ShakesQueer show! In addition to acting, she loves cats, queer romance novels, and bicycling around town.
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Sam Cavedon — Graphic Design + Social Media
Sam has steadily been becoming a fan of musicals and theater for a few years now. She is happy to do a small part to bring this production of Much Ado About Nothing to life!
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Sara Bartol — Prop Master
(they/them)
Sara is excited to be involved in theatre again after a long time away! They are originally from the Midwest, love rollerblading and making things with their hands, and live in Boston with their partner and two precious and mischievous cats.
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Sarah Nechamen — Dogberry
(she/her)
Sarah Nechamen is excited to continue refining her acting niche as "dumbass who thinks he's hot shit but is actually bad at everything." Outside of theater, Sarah likes getting weird bruises at circus classes, hanging out in her 11-person coop, and eating that random plant in the woods.
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Savannah Paul — The Watch
Savannah is so excited to be returning to the QTP stage! She enjoyed being in Qaberet so much that she just had to come back for more. Off-stage, Savannah is a preschool teacher, hot sauce aficionado, and a dedicated mother to her two-year-old cat Fiona.
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Sky Karp — Claud Understudy + Camp Ensemble
(he/they)
Sky Karp is thrilled to be making their QTP debut! In addition to queering Shakespeare, he is passionate about devised theatre, playwriting, and dramaturgy. Sky can be found weightlifting, exploring trans archives, or attending one of their many book clubs when not being silly onstage. He would like to thank his amazing cast and crew for being great co-conspirators in bringing the magic of queer theatre to Somerville.
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Syd Romo — John
Syd is thrilled to return to the stage with his 4th QTP production playing the role he was always meant to – the villain! Residing in a haunted house in Charlestown with his husband and 3 cats, Syd spends his free time roller skating and performing as their drag alter-ego, Stabitha Christie.
Follow them on IG @sydphoric to catch their upcoming shows!
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WITJ — Beauty Team
(they/them)
WITJ is enchantedly ecstatic to be doing glamour magic- I mean, working on the Beauty Team for this production! After making their Queer Theater Project debut in Qabaret last year, WITJ is excited to work their magic behinds the scenes this time around! Be sure to follow them on Instagram for all things burlesque, vintage, drag, and magic.