William Shakespeare wrote his romantic comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing,” in 1598. Since then, it’s undergone many adaptations, including a Meadow Sky Productions which is opening this month at the High Desert Music Hall in Redmond.
“We’ve set the story in a different world than originally written, creating a fantasy world and setting inspired by adventure fantasy classics like “The Lord of the Rings” and “The Princess Bride,” Director David Purkey told the Source. The cast of 15 ranges in age from 12 to the 60s.
“There are two main romantic couples, a couple of mentor/ruler figures, and various comedic and supporting characters,” Purkey says. “Much Ado” is, in my opinion, the perfect blend of comedy and drama.”
It’s a production he’s wanted to do since he founded Meadow Sky Productions in 2024. “We were able to watch a production of “Much Ado About Nothing” at the Globe Theater in London when we were just starting our theater company endeavors, which was extra special for my wife Anna who has treasured the story of “Much Ado” for much longer than I. I was incredibly inspired by that production and have been hoping to present that story with our company since then.”
Meadow Sky Productions doesn’t have a permanent home but often performs at the High Desert Music Hall in Redmond, which is an old, converted church. “The stage reflects that and makes for some interesting staging with entrances in unexpected places,” Purkey says.
The show, which has multiple dates and times scheduled, is two hours with a short intermission. Money raised from the $30 tickets go toward paying the actors and production team as well as covering costs for costumes, lighting, props, venue rent, insurance and other expenses. Purkey says the company recently accomplished a major goal.
“We did have our first profitable show in December, including paying our actors, which was a huge milestone!”
Meadow Sky Productions will hold auditions in late April for its next play, “The Play that Goes Wrong” by Henry Lewis, Jonathan Sayer, and Henry Shields, which will be performed in August. “We especially like stories that have messages of hope and of joy but also tell aspects of the human experience and struggle,” Purkey says.
“Much Ado About Nothing”
March 13-15, 20-22 2pm & 7pm
High Desert Music Hall
818 SW Forest Ave, Redmond
meadowskyproductions.com/
$30
This article appears in the Source March 5, 2026.
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