The cast does a noble job of delivering some very difficult lines. While the pace is slow and the language tedious at times, there is enough to look at to keep the audience intrigued. If some lines are missed, it doesn’t really matter, since, as in most of Shakespeare’s comedies, it’s all "much ado about nothing." What’s more, the couples are color-coordinated, so it’s easy to keep up with who belongs with whom.

The cast is good across the board, and Brian Schilb as Berowne and Patrick Mullins as Dumain are outstanding. Kay Allmand is lovely as the Princess of France, and Pamela Vogel makes a sprightly Rosaline. The atmosphere is light-hearted, and there is no attempt to make it anything more than the delicious froth it is.

But the sets and costumes are beyond belief. Set designer Nic Ularu and costume designer Lisa Martin-Stuart often steal the show, and this time, they’ve outdone themselves. The set features ivy-covered arches, which are moved to reveal an enchanting garden. And the costumes are positively gorgeous. The whole production is so marvelous to look at that you have to make an effort to focus on the lines.

Both acts start with clever posturing to take full advantage of the magnificent set, and the production is worth seeing for looks alone, although it certainly offers more. It’s a long show, but one the whole family can and should enjoy. This show is also a reminder that Shakespeare didn’t always take himself too seriously, and neither does J.R. Sullivan.

Love’s Labour’s Lost is at Drayton Hall Theatre through April 25. Don’t lose out; call 7-2551 for reservations.

4/04