Much Ado - by Michael Lenehan (Hardcover)

About the Book

Based on observations of the American Players Theatre production of Shakespeare's Much ado about nothing in the summer of 2014.

Book Synopsis

"Engaging and insightful." --Booklist

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.
Educational resources for Much Ado can be found here

Review Quotes

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

About the Author

Michael Lenehan is an award-winning Chicago-based writer and editor who for many years was the chief editorial executive at the Chicago Reader. He has written for the Atlantic Monthly, where he was a contributing editor in the 1980s and 90s, and for Chicago magazine and the New York Times, among others. He is the author of Ramblers: Loyola Chicago 1963--The Team that Changed the Color of College Basketball. He grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ, and graduated from Notre Dame. He lives in Chicago with his wife Mary Williams.