This bold interpretation of Shakespeare’s comedic masterpiece features Danielle Brooks (“Orange is the New Black,” Broadway’s “The Color Purple”) and Grantham Coleman (“Buzzer,” “The Americans”) as the sparring lovers Beatrice and Benedick. Tony Award winner Kenny Leon (“American Son,” “A Raisin in the Sun”) directs with choreography by Tony Award nominee Camille A. Brown (“Choir Boy”). Set in contemporary Georgia with an election race underway, Great Performances: Much Ado About Nothing finds the community of Messina celebrating a break from an ongoing war, but not all is peaceful amid the merriment. Former rivals battle it out, revenge is sought and trickery runs amok in this timeless comedy of romantic retribution and miscommunication. Earning a New York Times Critic’s Pick, the play was recorded during its final weekend of Free Shakespeare in the Park performances, June 22-23, 2019.

Val, a shy college freshman, attends a New Year’s Eve party hosted at a classmate’s house. The host, Jessica, gives Val a weed infused drink and Val tries to fit in by drinking beyond her experience level. Val meets G, a quiet and interesting loner, and they strike a deep conversation that triggers Val to have a bad trip. Val’s thoughts and perspective bring us on her emotional journey as she recalls the trauma she experienced during the waning year. G helps ground Val and take the first step in moving on and accepting the promise of a brand new year.