Danielle Brooks, Chuck Cooper & more to star in Much Ado About Nothing in Central Park

The Shakespeare in the Park production of Much Ado About Nothing begins performances on May 21, 2019 at the Delacorte Theater.

The Public Theater has announced casting for its upcoming "Shakespeare in the Park" production of Much Ado About Nothing, which is set to play a limited engagement at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park from May 21 through to June 23, 2019, with an official opening set for June 11.

Directed by Tony Award winner Kenny Leon, the cast includes Danielle Brooks (as Beatrice), Grantham Coleman (as Benedick), Chuck Cooper (as Leonato), Jeremie Harris (as Claudio), Erik Laray Harvey (as Antonio/Verges), Daniel Croix Henderson (as Balthasar), Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (as Friar Francis/Sexton), Tiffany Denise Hobbs (as Ursula), Lateefah Holder (as Dogberry), Billy Eugene Jones (as Don Pedro), Margaret Odette (as Hero), Hubert Point-Du Jour (as Don John), Jaime Lincoln Smith (as Borachio), Khiry Walker (as Conrade), and Olivia Washington (as Margaret), with Jamar Brathwaite, Javen Crosby, Denzel Fields, Tayler Harris, Kai Heath, LaWanda Hopkins, Jazmine Stewart, and Latra A. Wilson.

Synopsis: "In this modern production, a bold new take on Shakespeare's cherished comedy of romantic retribution and miscommunication, we find the community of Messina celebrating a break from an ongoing war. But not all is peaceful amid the revelry, as old rivals engage in a battle of wits, unexpected foes plot revenge, and young lovers are caught in a tumultuous courtship - until love proves the ultimate trickster, and undoes them all."

The creative team has also been announced and features choreography by Camille A. Brown, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Peter Kaczorowski, sound design by Jessica Paz, and wigs, hair & make-up design by Mia Neal.

Previous Shakespeare in the Park productions of Much Ado About Nothing have been staged in 1972, 1988, 2004, and 2014.

As previously announced, the Public's 2019 season in Central Park will also include a revival of Shakespeare's war-torn tragedy Coriolanus, scheduled to run from July 16 through to August 11, 2019, with an official opening on August 5, and a Public Works production of Hercules (based on Disney's 1997 animated classic), which will run from August 31 through to September 8, 2019.