Curious Parents Youth & The Arts Resources

Youth & the Arts

Dinner and a Show: Putting on the Ritz with Much Ado About Nothing
By Juliet Piccone & Katie Jillions

Shakespeare’s plays infuse tragedy with humor, and his comedies are a fit for the whole family. He seems to almost have promoted family outings, so I guess you could say there’s a reason for choosing to see Much Ado About Nothing at the Ritz Theatre in Oaklyn, N.J., a historic town just five minutes over the Ben Franklin Bridge.

Even though the Ritz can accommodate a large number of people it still has a surprisingly intimate ambience; it provides a feeling of familiarity with the cast since there is no curtain and the actors are on stage prior to the performance, putting finishing touches on their makeup and hair. The set used platforms and canvases to create the scenery and was minimalist but conveyed the story’s message. Props such as benches, chairs, and pots were used to change location. It requires you use your imagination, which we think is one of the best parts of live theatre. Throughout the play, the aisles, entrances and exits all over the theatre were used by the cast to make appearances.

The performance was true to the original vernacular Shakespeare had written in, which made it tough for the younger girls (ages 9 and 12), but only for the very beginning of the show. Through staging and fantastic body language, the girls quickly caught on. Much Ado About Nothing is the story between Claudio and Hero and their young love. The story has all the aspects of misperceptions, disguises and false reports, which keeps it interesting. There is also a sub-plot between Beatrice and Benedick and their newly formed relationship. Even though the story has a mature theme, the production keeps it good for families. However, be aware that the performance is on the longer side (about 3 hours with a 15 minute intermission). The show was fantastic though and no one really felt like the length was excessive. If you want to see the show, visit www.ritztheatreco.org  or call 856.858.5230.

While You’re in the area….

A five minute drive from the theatre brings you into Collingswood. It is a great place to walk around, window shop and choose from a variety of restaurants. The Tortilla Press is our suggestion this month. The Tortilla Press is the perfect escape into a Spanish paradise that will satisfy your craving for Mexican food. The Tortilla Press serves a unique brunch (which is perfect to get prior to the 2 p.m. show on a Sunday). They have a nice selection of pancakes, omelettes, wraps and all the usual Mexican fare, like enchiladas and tacos. The atmosphere is relaxing and fun; there was a musician playing a variety of acoustic music and the tables were comfortable. The colorful décor featured a wide variety of abstract art, and the service was friendly and very accommodating. The Mexican version of fried calamari was our favorite, with the banana pancakes as a close second. Everything we ordered was flavorful and unique. The Tortilla Press is a great family restaurant for any meal and the perfect beginning, middle, or end to a day with the entire family. Visit www.thetortillapress.com  to learn more about this great place to eat. If you want something a little closer, there is the Newton Diner right next to the theatre.

Juliet Piccone is a Junior at Moorestown High School and Katie Jillions is a junior at Holy Cross High School.