July 29th will see Sugarloaf Mountain turn Elizabethan as William Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing comes to life on the stage. The comedy is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved works. The event is being offered free, but tickets are required to attend.
The productions will mark the sixth time in four years the cast and crew of "Tecumseh!" have delved into Shakespeare's work. Past productions included "Hamlet" "As You Like It" and "The Tempest" each offering a unique way to take advantage of the scope of the outdoor venue.
"I think Shakespeare on Sugarloaf has been a great way to provide quality free entertainment to our community over the past couple of years. Thousands of people have attended the shows and the two that we’re offering this year are some of the most well known and loved in the Shakespeare folio.” Said Brandon Smith, Scioto Society CEO.
Much Ado About Nothing will mark the return of J.J. Cobb to Chillicothe. Ms. Cobb spent many years performing in Tecumseh! throughout the 90’s and 2000’s. J.J. Cobb joined the Performing Arts faculty of Eastern Connecticut State University in 2008. In addition to teaching Stage Voice, Stage Combat, and all levels of Acting, she directs productions for the departmental season. In 2007, she was chosen as a Teacher-in-Training to study directly with distinguished theatrical vocal coach, Kristin Linklater. Prior to her tenure at Eastern, Ms. Cobb established the Theatre program at the University of Rio Grande, and taught in their Master of Education program.
Though she thoroughly enjoys academic life, Ms. Cobb continues to work professionally as a director, voice & period styles of movement coach, playwright, and actor. Her many performing credits include regional stage, commercial voice-overs, and independent film. J.J. Cobb is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.
Ms. Cobb’s specialization in the area Site-Specific Theatre has led to the production of Il Ristorante (Site-Responsive; Ohio), Echoes: Voices From The Church Farm (Site-Specific; Connecticut), The Tower Caveat (Site-Specific; California), and The Melting Point (Site-Specific; Hawaii). Professor Cobb serves as a Site-Specific Theatre Advisor to the Institute of Outdoor Theatre. Audiences in Chillicothe will remember her portrayal of Tecumapese, Tecumseh’s sister.
On the day prior to the performance the Chillicothe & Ross County Public Library will host the annual “Sack It With Shakespeare” event at the north side branch. Members of the cast will join director JJ Cobb and Lance Mekeel from OU-C in an open discussion on the plays over their sack lunches. The Haute Doggery will be providing free hot dogs to all attendees. The event begins at 11:00.
“Shakespeare can seem unapproachable to some people and the lunch time talks at the library have torn down some of the perceived barriers for people. It’s been a great partnership and one that we hope continues for many years.” said Smith.
Adrienne D’souza of the Chillicothe & Ross Co. Public Library said “The library is so excited to host Sack It With Shakespeare with the Scioto Society. We are always happy to partner with local organizations to present quality programming.”
Since its inception in 2015, nearly 5,000 people have taken advantage of the free Shakespeare performances.
Tickets are free and available at www.tecumsehdrama.com or by calling 866-775-0700. There is a five ticket limit per reservation.