A playful comedy layered with all the rich complexity that comes with Shakespeare’s work, Much Ado About Nothing is a snappy, surprisingly timely meditation on gossip, gender roles, and the follies of romance.

Don Pedro, Claudio, and Benedick arrive in the Sicilian port town of Messina after a decisive victory on the battlefield. As they join in the post-war celebrations at the governor’s estate, Claudio takes a liking to their host’s daughter, Hero. Meanwhile, Benedick engages in a different sort of battle with Hero’s cousin, the quick-witted Beatrice. Cupid-like characters conspire to bring our quartet of lovers together, while darker forces seek to drive them apart. Can love truly conquer all when the combined powers of deception, betrayal, and envy stand in its way?

Much Ado About Nothing is comedic, yet cautionary. Elegant, yet down to earth. It’s mischievous and undeniably merry. It might just be the world’s most well-known (and beloved) Renaissance rom-com.

Directed by the Denver Center’s own Chris Coleman (Oklahoma!, Twelfth Night), and featuring scenic design by Klara Zieglarova (Jersey Boys, Rattlesnake Kate) and music by Tom Hagerman (Sweeney Todd, Twelfth Night), this refreshing spin on a 400-year-old classic is not to be missed.