The Tolucan Times Much Ado about Nothing Promotes Love By Mary Mallory HOLLYWOOD – An energetic, sweet romantic comedy about love and war between the sexes, the Declan Adams Theatre's presentation of Much Ado About Nothing features good acting and verbal jousting. In their small community, proud Beatrice (Jen Bronstein) and Benedick (Jeff Holden) are renowned for their sarcastic verbal ripostes. As they attempt to aid the betrothal of innocent Hero (Sabrina Sikes) and charming Claudio (Race Owen), their compatriots plot to unite them in marriage. Will romance lead to couplings? Director Chris Jean composes artful arrangements of actors on the small stage and keeps the action flowing with constant motion. Good timing and high energy by the fine cast adds to the rapid fire pace. Holden and Bronstein stand out as the bickering lovers Benedick and Beatrice. Both truly understand the text and enhance it with their rhythmic delivery. They possess enormous charm and warmth, as well as excellent chemistry. Dana DeRuyck gives a loosey-goosey Keystone Kops performance as Mistress Dogberry. While promoted as set in the 1920s, the music performed is 1940s steamy jazz instead of 1920s ragtime jazz that includes such period instruments as ukulele or banjo. An entertaining, lighthearted look at the wiles and ways of romance, Much Ado About Nothing remains a timeless classic.