Rice University will present Much Ado About Nothing, a romantic romp set in early Texas and filled with dashing cavalry, comedic cowboys, and women who "speak poniards, and every word stabs."

Much Ado About Nothing offers a tale of two courtships: Benedick and Beatrice lead the audience in a whirlwind of wit and pride, while Claudio and Hero dazzle you in their innocent romance. Do not let the title fool you, for this comedy is filled with gossip, masquerade, a dastardly villain, honor, desire, and passionate love. Shakespeare journeys to 1840s Texas in this stylized depiction of a classic story full of love and laughter.