villains' confession, informing Leonato of Hero's innocence. Though Don John has fled the city, a force is sent to capture him. Claudio, though maintaining he made an honest mistake, is repentant; he agrees to not only post a proper epitaph for Hero but to marry a substitute, Hero's cousin (not Beatrice) in her place. During Claudio’s second wedding as the dancers enter, the "cousin" is unmasked as Hero to a most surprised and gratified Claudio. An impromptu dance is announced. Beatrice and Benedick, prompted by their friends’ interference finally confess their love for each other to the group at large. As the play draws to a close a messenger arrives with news of Don John’s capture – but his punishment is postponed another day so that the couples can enjoy their new-found happiness. MUSICAL NUMBERS 1. Victory (Leonato and chorus) 2. Disdain (Beatrice and Benedick) 3. Now I Hear Symphonies (Claudio) 4. This Strange Affliction Called Love (Benedick) 5. Revenge (Don John) 6. I'll Never Marry (Beatrice) 7. How Can He Do This To Me? (Claudio, Benedick) 8. The Sweetest Kiss (Hero, Claudio) 9. They Will Drive Each Other Mad (Leonato, Claudio and Don John) 10. Sigh No More Good Ladies (Balthasar and chorus) 11. Madness (Benedick) 12. Never Satisfied (Hero, Ursula, Margaret and attendants ) 13. How Can This Be (Beatrice) 14. How He's Changed (Leonato, Don Pedro, Claudio) 15. I'll Never Love Again (Claudio) 16. The Officers of the Watch 17. The World Is Brimming With Love Today (Hero) 18. Shame (Claudio, Leonato, Don Pedro, Benedick, Hero) 19. This Cannot Be! (Leonato, Benedick, Beatrice, Friar) 20. If Only I Were a Man (Beatrice) 21. Take Your Sword (Leonato, Claudio) 22. Then Kill For Me (Beatrice, Benedick) 23. If I Could Write a Sonnet (Benedick) 24. I'll Never Love Again (reprise) (Claudio) 25. Come Let Us Marry (Benedick, Beatrice, Claudio and Hero) 26. Finale (company) CAST Primary Characters • Beatrice, a headstrong young woman with a sarcastic disposition • Benedick, a sharp-tongued match for Beatrice • Leonato, father of Hero and host to returning soldiers. • Don Pedro, leader of the victorious soldiers • Hero, Leonato's daughter and friend of Beatrice • Don John, Don Pedro's envious brother • Claudio, a romantic young idealis Secondary Characters • Balthasar, a troubador • Margaret, friend of Hero and Beatrice • Ursula, friend of Hero and Beatrice • Dogberry, Officer of the Watch • Friar Francis, a priest • Conspirators with Don John • Officers of the Watch General chorus.
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