By Jillian Ellis

Lee University Theatre will present Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing” in the Dixon Center at 8 p.m. on April 4 and 7:30 p.m. on April 5 and April 10-12.

Shakespeare’s play combines elements of robust hilarity with more serious topics of honor, shame and court politics. The story features two young couples, with amusingly contrasting relationships, and their journeys to sincere love.

Lee Theatre will be taking on a more post-modern approach of the play, according to Dan Buck, assistant professor of theatre and director of the play. Still using old English, this performance will be set in a warehouse in modern time. The actors will portray theatre students who break into the warehouse and use available props to perform “Much Ado About Nothing.”

“In some ways the play is contemporary, but in some ways it is not,” said Buck. “We are not trying to modernize the play. I respect Shakespeare so much I think his work is worth re-imagining.”

The performance will feature cameos from Lee faculty Dr. Kevin Brown and Dr. Hermilo Jasso.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for seniors/students and will be available beginning Monday, March 24 at the Lee University Box Office.

For tickets, show times and other information, please call the box office at 423-614-8343, email [email protected] or visit www.leeuniversity.edu/theatre. Fans can also join the Facebook page “Lee University Theatre.”

PHOTO: Constable Dogberry presents his prisoners to the Prince. Pictured here (l to r) from left to right are cast members Adam Wehby, Laura Harrison, Luke Samford, Jonathan Loudermilk, and Jonathan Swindle.