Shakespeare wrote Much Ado About Nothing in the late 1500s and we still read and perform this play today! Why? Because it is fun! It plays on the well know trope of the “merry war of the sexes,” and after some truly moving moments, everyone ends up okay and more than likely married!
 
As an undercurrent to this merry story, a highly anticipated wedding turns the play into a real tragedy when Claudio’s honor is trampled and Hero’s (albeit false) shame is exposed in public. We decided to set this play in West Texas in the late 1800s, a perfect time and place where practical jokes and eavesdropping are used for good and evil. Here, men stand by each other and follow a “code of honor,” a woman’s innocence and virtue defines her worth, and people who proclaim disdain for love end up falling for each other.
 
Thank you to our talented cast and crew who have dedicated much of their time this semester to creating this exciting play!
 
 

CAST & CREW

 
ANJALI BLEWETT
Boy/Messenger
Anjali is excited to be part of this show and hopes audiences will LOVE Much Ado!
 
BRIAN CHAO
Lighting
Brian is a sophomore, and this is his second semester as a member of the tech crew for a Greenhill Theatre production. He enjoyed helping to build the stage and sets for She Kills Monsters last spring and is happy to be working on lighting for Much Ado About Nothing this year. Brian has loved learning the ins and outs of working behind the scenes and would like to thank the teachers, rest of the tech crew, and cast for making his theater experience so welcoming and rewarding. He looks forward to working on future productions and making the theater environment friendly and collaborative for everyone. 
 
SHREYA CHHAYA
Margaret, Borachio Understudy
This is Shreya's fifth show at Greenhill. She's never done Shakespeare before, but she has always enjoyed reading and watching Shakespeare's plays. She's really excited to participate in it this year. Shreya would like to thank all of the cast, crew, and directors for all the hard work they put into making this show happen. She can't wait to see what everyone thinks of the show!
 
 
ELLA COSTABILE
Watch – Frank Starvling, Beatrice
Ella is a sophomore who joined Greenhill her freshman year. She fell in love with acting when she joined an Acting 1 class freshman year, and this led her to joining the play that year. Much Ado About Nothing will be her third show, and she has loved working with such an incredible cast and crew. She is grateful for all of her friends and family for supporting her throughout this process.
 
 
KYRA CRAWFORD
Don Pedro, Musician
This is senior Kyra Crawford's third and final production with Greenhill Theater. She is especially excited to work alongside VHS and Ms. Goold to transform this classic Shakespearean play into a Western epic! Inspired by her older brother's portrayal of Don Pedro in his high school theater premiere, she hopes to add even more depth and character to "The Prince" himself. Finally, Kyra would like to sincerely thank the rest of the cast, crew, and faculty for welcoming her into the theater community and for all the dedication shown throughout this production.
 
 
MEGAN CZUCHLEWSKI
Balthasar, Soldier, Singer
Megan is so excited for putting on Much Ado About Nothing! She read the play last year so she is really excited to be performing in it! Previously at Greenhill, she was part of Big Fish, She Kills Monsters, and Mean Girls. Other theater experiences Megan has had include Shrek! The Musical and A Midsummer Night's Dream. Outside of theater, she plays volleyball and softball. Megan would like to thank all of the cast and crew for making the show possible!
 
 
MARIEVE DONNELL
Head of Props, Set Design
Marieve is a junior who is glad to be back in the tech shop to work on Much Ado About Nothing. She is happy to be utilizing her more artsy side this semester as she is in charge of the props making process and took part in designing the set for the show. This will be her fifth show with Greenhill, and she is looking forward to continuing in tech her senior year.    
 
 
RUBY GARZA
Dogberry
Ruby Garza is a sophomore who is participating in the spring play for the first time! Outside of theater, Ruby is very involved in the Fine Arts at Greenhill, being co-president of choir, in AVP, and on the Greenhill improv troupe. In addition, she runs varsity cross country and track. She has loved being in the play throughout this semester, getting to know the rest of the cast and crew, and has loved playing Dogberry! Enjoy the show!
 
 
 
DARWIN GEORGE
Assistant Stage Manager
This is Darwin's second semester in practicum and third semester in tech theater. They are very excited to be helping out as an assistant stage manager for the first time. They are really looking forward to this production of Much Ado About Nothing as they really enjoy the play. They would like to thank all of the theater teachers for making theater such a fun and enjoyable experience. 
 
 
QUINN GRAVES
Benedick
After four years in Greenhill Theatre productions and six previous shows, this is Quinn's last show! This is Quinn's first Shakespeare show, and he is extremely excited to play Benedick! He is so grateful for all of the people who have worked so hard for this production and for all of the wonderful experiences over the years. He would like to thank his parents who have supported him through every production, the cast and crew for always being ready for anything, and for the staff who makes this whole thing happen! 
 
 
SAMANTHA HERRMANN
Beatrice, Frank Starvling
Samantha Herrmann is a sophomore at Greenhill School. She is so excited for her fourth show with Greenhill Upper School and 14th overall. In her free time, she loves participating on Greenhill’s field hockey and softball team and playing the piano. She would like to thank her family and friends for their endless support, and VHS for this incredible opportunity. Break a leg to the cast!
 
 
REMI JOSEPH
Electrician
Remi is very excited to be working on his first production as part of the tech practicum crew. Remi has previously worked in other tech theater classes, where he enjoyed his time building sets. Remi will be working as an electrician for the upcoming production, where he will be part of the lighting crew.
 
 
SANJNA KALISETTY
Leonata, Deputy Emeritus 
Sanjna Kalisetty is a senior. This will be her eighth Greenhill show and last time performing. She is so grateful to have been a part of Greenhill Theatre for four years, and can't thank VHS and Ms. Goold enough for being such kind and brilliant mentors. She wouldn't be here today without them and will miss them with her whole heart! Lastly, she hopes you enjoy the show! 
 
 
LYDIA KERRIDGE
Hero
Lydia is very excited to be part of Much Ado About Nothing at Greenhill! This is Lydia’s fifth show with Greenhill and her second show as a highschooler. Last year, Lydia played Mayzie in Greenhill’s production of Seussical JR. When she is not acting, Lydia spends most of her free time doing visual arts. She would like to thank VHS and Ms. Goold for giving her this opportunity and always being so supportive and kind. 
 
 
LILA LEVY
Don John, Margaret Understudy
Lila has done five shows at Greenhill School. She likes southern things. She is excited to do a Shakespeare show. This is her first Shakespeare play. She would like to thank all of the cast and crew and directors.
 
 
SANTIAGO LOPEZ
Stage Manager
Much Ado About Nothing is Santiago's second to last show that he will be working on from the technical side. Santiago has grown from being a spotlight operator in The Little Mermaid, to being an assistant stage manager in Big Fish and She Kills Monsters. Now he is stage managing Much Ado About Nothing and is really excited to being able to help the technicians and actors. He would like to thank his teachers, friends, and family for supporting him along the years and for the valuable lessons he learned. He hopes the best for everyone involved in the production.
 
 
PARKER LYNN
Technical Director, Set Design
This is Parker's second year at Greenhill and second semester taking a tech theater class. Parker likes listening to music and collecting vinyl records in his free time as well as winning two consecutive fantasy football championships in his family's league. He also doesn't like writing about himself, so this will be a sentence short of the 4-6 sentence request when including this one.
 
 
ARIA MILLER
Sexton 
Aria has loved and done theater for 11 years. Over the years, she has performed in over 20 performances. She participated in theater in 9th grade where she competed at state for acting and did tech theatre for SpongeBob the Musical. This is her first year acting at Greenhill, and she is excited to see how the play goes.
 
 
AVERY MONTOYA
Sound Tech
Avery Montoya is incredibly excited to be a part of this amazing group of people in the Greenhill Theater once again. This is the fourth Greenhill show she has been in, and the second Greenhill show as a technician. She can’t wait to help put on this amazing performance. She would like to thank her parents for always supporting her and her passions, no matter what. 
 
 
ELISE NELSON
Friar/Singer, Don John Understudy
This is Elise’s freshman year, and she is so excited to be doing Much Ado About Nothing as her first Upper School play production, and first Shakespeare performance! Elise has been performing from a young age, and her favorite production so far has been Seussical JR. in eighth grade as Jojo. Elise is so proud of all the cast and crew for helping create this show and so excited to perform alongside everyone! She’d like to thank Ms. VHS, Ms. Goold, Mr. Martin, her parents (SO much driving), friends, and the cast and crew for their support throughout this whole experience. Elise hopes everyone breaks a leg, and she can’t wait for her next Greenhill production! 
 
 
MILES NEWMAN
Set Build, Sound, Stage Crew 
Miles is excited to be part of this show and hopes audiences will LOVE Much Ado!
 
 
ALYSSA O'GORMAN
Set Crew
Alyssa is a sophomore who is showing her creative side towards the world. She is taking stage design along with tech practicum and is hoping that this class will aid her in future productions. Alyssa feels at home with 12 1/2 years of experience working on stage. She was honored to work on Mean Girls and is excited to be working on Much Ado About Nothing.
 
 
ALEX PEPLINSKI
Antonio, Claudio Understudy
This is Alex's eighth and final production at Greenhill. Her favorite roles at Greenhill include Janis in Mean Girls and Dr. Mortimer in The Hounds of Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery. She would like to thank everyone involved in the production for their dedication and hard work. Alex is so excited to show everyone what the cast and crew have been working on.
 
 
SUMEDHA RAPURI
Watch-George Seacole, Dogberry Understudy
Much Ado About Nothing is Sumedha's first time being in any theater production! Being in a play is something she has always wanted to do since she was little. Her friends have told her how amazing the theater community is. She jumped at the opportunity to be in this year's play and is extremely excited for this semester!
 
 
XAVIER RAYVERA
Claudio
Xavier has done theater since he was younger, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences. He's played various roles at his summer camp throughout the years, and last year, he did his first musical of his Upper School career. He'd like to thank his family and friends, but above all his mother for always being there to support him for the show. 
 
 
HELEN REED
Sound Tech
Helen has been apart of the tech theater program for three years. This is the third production she has worked on. She is a softball player and a swim coach at Jim Montgomery Swim School. She looks forward to the production.
 
 
NATHAN RUTLEDGE
Borachio
Nate is very excited to play as Borachio in this production of Much Ado About Nothing. He is a senior who has previously enjoyed his time in the 2023 spring play production of She Kills Monsters and the 2022 fall production Mean Girls, and is happy to end his Upper School theater career with a Shakespeare work. Outside of theater, Nate plays bass guitar and hopes to be able to help with the music for Much Ado About Nothing.
 
 
JOSH SCHNITZER
Watch #3
Josh is excited to be part of this show and hopes audiences will LOVE Much Ado!
 
 
DOODLE SCHULTZ
Assistant Stage Manager
This is Doodle's fourth show at Greenhill and ninth overall. They are excited to learn more about the stage management side of technical theater. They love technical theater and are happy to have a place at Greenhill that feels like home in theater.
 
 
ELLERY SHERWOOD
Ursula, Leonata Understudy 
Ellery Sherwood is excited to return for her sixth production with Greenhill Theatre. Even in kindergarten, Ellery knew she wanted to perform onstage, and 26 productions later, the rest has been history! Some theatre highlights of hers include Regina George from Greenhill’s production of Mean Girls and her Schmitt Jones Nomination for Aquata in Greenhill’s The Little Mermaid. She would love to give a special thanks to her mom and dad for always supporting her through her highs, lows, and in-betweens. But most importantly, she can’t wait for y’all to enjoy all the love and dedication that the cast and crew have put into this show. 
 
 
ANDY SIMPSON
Watch #1 
This is Andy's fifth show with Greenhill Theatre, and he is overjoyed to be a part of it. He'd like to thank his family, especially his older brother, Nicholas, whose high school production of The Secret Garden first inspired his love of theater. Theater has been one of his favorite parts of school and a huge source of community and friendship. His only regret is not joining sooner. He cannot wait for everyone to see the product of all of the love and joy put into this show by the wonderful cast and crew involved.
 
 
AVA SPENCE
Publicity Designer, Scenic Painter 
Ava is a senior who has been a part of four productions. She's grateful to the Greenhill theater program for the most amazing two years and would like to specifically thank Mr. Turbyne and Mrs. Burns for their support and guidance. Ava looks forward to a fantastic final show to close out her time at Greenhill. She sends all of her love to her wonderful peers in cast and crew!
 
 
ARJUN SUBRAMANIAN
Lighting
Arjun Subramanian is excited to be working on his first play. He has done three previous productions at Greenhill. For this play, he is doing lighting for the first time. He is also a junior and intends to continue his technical theater career next school year.
 
 
SIDRAH TARPEH
Conrad, Benedick Understudy
Sidrah has always loved acting. In Middle School on Saturdays, she attended KD studios for midday acting classes. Outside of school, she partakes in Jack and Jill, a black youth leadership organization; and track and field with a club team. She loves music, movies, and the color red.
 
 
SYDNEY TERRELL
Props, Stage Crew 
Sydney is a sophomore who is so thankful to be a part of tech. This is her third show at Greenhill and her second show in practicum. This process has been such an important part of her high school experience. She would like to thank everyone for supporting her. 
 
 
JNANA VELAMURI
Costume Designer
Jnana Velamuri is a senior, and this is her seventh production with Greenhill and her second production in tech theater. She is excited to be a part of the show! She would like to thank the crew, cast, and teachers for such a wonderful experience!
 
 
ZACHARY VENNERBERG
Set Build, Stage Crew 
Zachary is excited to work for the play Much Ado About Nothing. He previously worked in tech theater class the year before. Now he is in the tech practicum class. He enjoys busting pallets, building the scaffolding, and helping move things around.
 
 
GIULIANA ZARSKI
Verges, Ursula Undesrtudy 
Giuliana, who plays the role of Verges, is very excited to be part of this year's play. She is a sophomore and participated in the fall musical. She would like to thank her family for their encouragement and support. Giuliana would also like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make this production happen.
 

Credits

STUDENT PRODUCTION STAFF
Stage Manager: Santiago Lopez
Assistant Stage Managers: Darwin George and Doodle Schultz
Set Design: Marieve Donnell and Parker Lynn
Lighting Design: Brian Chao, Remi Joseph, and Arjun Subramanian
Sound Design: Avery Montoya and Helen Reed
Costume Design: Jnana Velamuri
Technical Director: Parker Lynn
Head of Props: Marieve Donnell
Set Construction/Run Crew: Miles Newman, Alyssa O’Gorman, Sydney Terrell, and Zach Vennerberg
Publicity: Ava Spence
House Manager: Helen Reed
 
ADULT PRODUCTION STAFF
Director: Valerie Hauss-Smith 
Assistant Director: Maxey Goold 
Set Design & Technical Direction: Will Turbyne
Costume Design: Hope Cox
Sound Design: Mark Howard 
Lighting / MPAC Manager: Leann Burns 
Head of Fine Arts: Terry Martin 
 

Special Thanks

Thank you to the Greenhill Administration, Advancement, and Communication teams and indeed the entire community for their support! A special shoutout to the MUCH ADO parents for being ALL IN with our production. We see you volunteering, hear you rehearsing lines with our actors, and see you in the audience every night! Thank you to Robert Jackson, Terry Martin, Alice Butler, and John Moseley for their guidance, and the great folks at Greenhill Facilities!!
 

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