Brace yourselves, Broadway! An energetic and utterly unique take on Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ is heading your way this fall. This vibrant production, featuring two stars from the ‘Avengers’ universe, promises a celebration of pure, unadulterated revelry.
Following a hugely successful run in London last year, the show will bring together the formidable talents of Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell. Both are acclaimed stage veterans, proving they’re just as adept with Shakespearean verse as they are with action-packed adventures. Directing this exciting endeavor is Jamie Lloyd, a name familiar to Broadway audiences from his previous hits like ‘Waiting for Godot’ and ‘Sunset Boulevard.’
Don’t miss it – this fresh ‘Much Ado’ is scheduled for a limited 10-week engagement. While director and producer Jamie Lloyd shared the exciting news on Thursday, specific dates and the exact Shubert Organization theater are yet to be revealed. Keep an eye out for details about its anticipated fall debut!
Tom Hiddleston, globally recognized for his charismatic portrayal of Loki in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is no stranger to the stage. He earned a Tony nomination for his previous Broadway appearance in Jamie Lloyd’s 2019 revival of Pinter’s ‘Betrayal.’ Joining him is Hayley Atwell, celebrated for her role as Agent Peggy Carter in the Marvel universe (yes, both she and Hiddleston were in ‘Avengers: Endgame,’ though their paths didn’t cross on screen!) and as Grace in the ‘Mission: Impossible’ films. With extensive London stage credits, ‘Much Ado’ marks her highly anticipated Broadway debut.
Penned around the 1590s, ‘Much Ado About Nothing’ is a vibrant romantic comedy packed with witty banter, clever deceptions, and delightful chaos. Broadway last saw a production in 1984. This modern take will see Hiddleston and Atwell embody the famously sparring lovers, Benedick and Beatrice. Notably, this iteration features a more mature duo, with Hiddleston at 45 and Atwell at 43, adding a nuanced depth to their ‘merry war.’
Imagine a full-blown ’90s bash, complete with pulsing house music, extravagant headdresses, and an explosion of pink confetti – that’s the atmosphere this production brings to Shakespeare. While such a bold concept might sound risky, British critics absolutely adored it. The Guardian hailed it as ‘Thoroughly weird and absolutely wonderful,’ bestowing a rare five-star rating. Time Out London echoed this enthusiasm with another five-star review, calling it ‘a ridiculous, ecstatic, hilarious masterpiece.’ Even The Telegraph, also awarding five stars, described it as ‘bonkers but brilliantly inventive.’ It seems this audacious vision is a smashing success!