A scene from ‘Much Ado About Nothing’. Photo by Thomas Graves

LALT News:

Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” will return to the stage this weekend with a “Brunch Ado” matinee at 11 a.m. Saturday at a new location: the Unitarian Church of Los Alamos, 1738 N. Sage St. The pay-what-you-will show is a collaboration between the Los Alamos Little Theatre (LALT) and the Band O’Lears.

“Because of the heat wave, we decided to move our daytime performance to an indoor space,” Assistant Director Kelly Dolejsi said.

She noted that while LALT’s home space, the Performing Arts Center, is a wonderful space, it is not air-conditioned and remains very hot throughout the summer.

“The Unitarian Church has been very generous in allowing us to use their space on short notice. We are especially thankful for the support of Rev. Tina DeYoe,” she said.

Local vendors will be available onsite at the event with coffee, pastries, and other items for purchase before the show and during intermission.

The show’s run began last weekend at the Hans Bethe House, but due to cast illness, had to be canceled.

“We are ready to go now,” Dolejsi said, “and very excited to share our beautiful show with the community.”

The show is directed by Thomas Graves, produced by Wendy Caldwell Lanchier, and features many well-known local actors, musicians, and dancers in its large cast.

Two more shows are scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 7, and Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Hans Bethe House.

Pay-what-you-will donations can be made in person via card, cash, or check, or in advance. Patrons are  encouraged to donate in advance and select the performance date/time so that they can be easily contacted if weather necessitates a change of venue or time.

The Band O’Lears is a newly formed local Shakespeare troupe that aims to bring more of the Bard’s words into Los Alamos’s daily life with regular performances and readings.

See lalt.org to donate or for more information.