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From the opening shot of jet engines and Churchillian V-E Day oratory to the jitter-bugging finale (replete with boogying friar), it's abundantly clear that the Folger Theatre's "Much Ado About Nothing," which runs through Nov. 27, is no ordinary production.
Set in the days following the Allied victory in Europe at the English country house of Leonato (Timmy Ray James), this take on Shakespeare's play practically pullulates with post-World War II vim and insouciance - helped along by ample doses of swing music and era- appropriate dress and mannerisms.
In director Nick Hutchison's interpretation, the conquering heroes - Don Pedro (James Denvil), Claudio (Dean Alai) and Benedick (P.J. Sosko) - are American officers. Fresh off their military triumph, the trio arrive at the estate sporting wide-legged pants, holsters, bomber jackets and plenty of John Wayne swagger.