AMHERST — William Shakespeare is often referred to as “The Bard,” meaning poet, for his timeless works. So, it’s only fitting that these modern day bards will be performing one of his most well-known plays, “Much Ado About Nothing.”
And in this case, the “bar” hosting them is White Lion Brewing in Amherst.
The Valley Players invite everyone to come together to enjoy a night of theater and drinks at its first “Bard at the Bar” gathering, to be held at White Lion Brewing at 24 North Pleasant St. on May 23 at 7 p.m.
The Valley Players are a community theater group, or better said in the words of president Matteo Pangallo: “Valley Players theater is theater made to move, theater made to matter, and theater made together.”
A company of the troupe’s actors will be on hand to perform an impromptu script-in-hand, drink-in-hand, reading of Shakespeare’s romantic comedy.
“Much Ado About Nothing” follows two intertwined romances that are full of tricks and scandals. It is light-hearted fun, which made it the perfect choice for this event.
“It’s a fun, low-stakes opportunity for theater folk to get together, unwind and socialize, all while doing what we love: making theater,” Pangallo said via email. “It’s also a humble homage to how Shakespeare’s own theater company worked: When a playwright — including Shakespeare — had a concept for a play, he would get together with the actors at a local bar and tell them the story of it over a few drinks.”
Pangallo has been at the helm of the Valley Players since its inception in January, but he always has had a love for theater.
His passion for theater began as a child — getting involved with community theater musicals and spending time at Rebel Shakespeare Company, a youth Shakespeare camp in Salem, where he lived. In high school, Pangallo participated in Shakespeare & Company’s youth camp in Lenox, and in college, he minored in theater.
After graduating from college, Pangallo found himself returning to his hometown of Salem, serving as director for Rebel Shakespeare and founding the Salem Theatre Company.
He received his master’s degree in Shakespeare studies at King’s College London, and his journey ultimately brought him to the Pioneer Valley in 2006, when he began to work on his doctorate at the University of Massachusetts.
“I continued to dabble in local theater as an actor and director, getting involved with Hampshire Shakespeare Company and helping found the Renaissance Center Theater Company,” Pangallo said, adding that he’s also taught theater classes at both Bates College and the UMass Honors College.
The Valley Players had its launch event just last month on April 23. Sceneathon 2024, held at Bistro 63 in Amherst, attracted 80 theater lovers and 30 Valley actors.
Pangallo is hoping that “Bard at the Bar” will attract just as many theater enthusiasts. And participation in “Much Ado about Nothing” is not restricted to established members of the Valley Players — anyone and everyone is welcome to sign up to perform, and no prior theater experience is necessary, but speaking roles will be limited.
“Roles for ‘Much Ado’ are going to be distributed randomly, and there are still a few available slots for performers,” Pangallo said, adding that anyone interested in signing up should email info@valleyplayers.org before May 22.
Among the local actors already signed up to perform are Jill Franks, Rose Schwietz, Claudia Maurino, Pamela White, Jonathan Bartlett, Rami Baglio, Carol Rogers, Andrew Loverin, Jane Barish, Tracy Grammer, Katherine O’Callaghan, Paul Rothenberg and Lexi DeSollar.
Of course, theater is nothing without a good audience, and anyone who wants to enjoy the performance — along with White Lion’s food and craft beers, which will be available for order — are invited.
“Bard at the Bar” is free and open to the public, though donations to benefit Valley Players are welcome.
The Valley Players is a nonprofit group, Pangallo explained, so every dollar donated goes toward supporting the organization’s mission and programming, including production rights, venue rentals, equipment purchases, costumes, props, marketing and more.
“Our goal is to enrich the quality of life in the Connecticut River Valley region by making nimble, meaningful and accessible community theater,” Pangallo said. “Valley Player productions will be all-volunteer, tickets for our shows will be either free or pay-what-you-can, and a portion of net ticket sales from each production will be donated to one of the charities or nonprofits serving the Valley.”
Pangallo hopes that “Bard at the Bar” will become a regular event at bars all across the Pioneer Valley, but future events are still in the planning stage.
Anyone who wants to learn more about the Valley Players, sign up for its email list or make a donation, can visit valleyplayers.org or go on Facebook to facebook.com/thevalleyplayers.
