Notwithstanding a reputation founded on darker, bleaker Shakespearean fare such as
Henry V, Kenneth Branagh proved himself equally adept at ye olde romantick comedie with 1993's
Much Ado About Nothing. Featuring a stellar cast — Emma Thompson, Michael Keaton, Keanu Reeves, Robert Sean Leonard, Kate Beckinsale, Imelda Staunton and, in Branagh's words, "Denzel Washington in a fetching pair of leather pants" — the story finds the betrothed Claudio and Hero conspiring to trick their friends, the adversarial Beatrice and Benedick, into confessing their love for each other. Thus did the Bard assist in creating an entire genre of entertainments to which comely young lasses might someday drag their reluctant gentleman suitors. As part of its Summer Sultry Cinema series, the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art (4420 Warwick, 816-753-5784) presents two free screenings of
Much Ado today at 4:45 and 7:15 p.m. For more information, see
kemperart.org.
Sat., Aug. 22, 4:45 & 7:15 p.m., 2009
