Much Ado About Nothing Comes to Grass Valley Elks Lodge

Shakespeare's classic comedy gets a 1970s New Orleans twist in new adaptation.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:07pm

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The Grass Valley Elks Lodge will host a production of Shakespeare's classic comedy "Much Ado About Nothing" with a new adaptation that transports the action to 1979 New Orleans. The play follows the winding romance between the feuding Benedick and Beatrice, as well as the thwarted plans of the young couple Claudio and Hero, all while the local law enforcement, Dogberry and the watch, work to set things right.

Why it matters

This new take on "Much Ado About Nothing" promises to delight both longtime Shakespeare fans and newcomers to the Bard's work, offering a fresh perspective on one of his most beloved comedies through the lens of 1970s New Orleans culture and setting.

The details

Director and adapter Robert J. Peterson has reset the action of "Much Ado About Nothing" to 1979 New Orleans, drawing dialogue from around the Elizabethan era to present the classic play in a new way. The production features a talented cast including Jed Dixon as Benedick, Trish Adair as Beatrice, and Micah Cone as the bumbling constable Dogberry.

  • The production will run at the Grass Valley Elks Lodge from February 6-16, 2026.

The players

Robert J. Peterson

The director and adapter who has reimagined "Much Ado About Nothing" in a 1970s New Orleans setting.

Jed Dixon

The actor portraying the role of Benedick in the production.

Trish Adair

The actress playing the role of Beatrice in the production.

Micah Cone

The actor taking on the role of the bumbling constable Dogberry.

Grass Valley Elks Lodge

The venue hosting the production of "Much Ado About Nothing" in Grass Valley, California.

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The takeaway

This adaptation of "Much Ado About Nothing" promises to bring a fresh, modern perspective to one of Shakespeare's most beloved comedies, offering both longtime fans and new audiences an engaging and entertaining theatrical experience.