PETOSKEY – March 17, 2025 – St. Michael High School (SMHS), the only Classical high school in Northern Michigan, is pleased to announce its performance of William Shakespeare’s ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ this Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18 and 19, at 7:00pm at the schoolhouse (Family of Christ Church), 2275 Resort Pike Rd., just west of Petoskey. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $5 per person, or $20 per family.
The SMHS Drama Department follows last year’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream with another Shakespearian comedy.
SMHS Drama Director Maartje Nolan explained, “Much Ado About Nothing is a tale of friendship, love, deceit, trickery, heartbreak and – eventually – reconciliation and joy. We’re excited to perform Shakespeare’s original text, costumed in the 1920s Italian Riviera.”
Nolan continued, “Young sweethearts Claudio and Hero fall in love at first sight and are betrothed, but their pathway to marriage isn’t with out its issues! Meanwhile, Hero’s cousin Beatrice and Benedick struggle with their mutual affections, but ultimately discover and accept their true feelings for each other. The verbal sparring of Beatrice and Benedick provided an archetype and inspiration for characters who initially despise each other but end up falling in love. Scarlett and Rhett in Gone With the Wind, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice, and others, can trace their sharp tongues and quick wits back to Beatrice and Benedick.”
The St. Michael Drama Department offers students the opportunity to perform drama productions, both on-stage and behind the scenes. Since 2019, the SMHS troupe has delivered outstanding performances of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Twelfth Night, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol, Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, and more.
“What a treat to experience another Shakespeare performance from our accomplished Drama program,” opined SMHS Headmaster Kevin Weed. “Performing ‘the Bard’s’ timeless work is difficult, presenting a challenge that most high schools forego these days. We ask our students to clear ‘raised bars’ such as this one as training for the inevitable rigors of Christian life. We hope you’ll join us this week!”
St. Michael High School is High School with a Higher Purpose and a proud member of the Chesterton Schools Network. Established in 2013, the St. Michael mission is to nurture and elevate a new generation of joyful leaders educated in the Classical tradition and truth of the Catholic faith. For more information, please visit the SMHS website at stmichaelchesterton.org.