Much Ado: CST, 2003. Beatrice (Julie Eccles) mocks Benedick (Charles Shaw Robinson).

Most Shakespearean comedies were performed in contemporary Elizabethan costume, so our modern dress has an equivalent effect. Note the "color blind" casting of Leonato (L. Peter Callender), and the omnipresent musicians. Music for song and dance was important on the Elizabethan stage. The night's darkness behind the stage provides an effective backdrop.