SHERMAN — William Shakespeare’s plays have found new life over the years, being reinvented by directors across the globe. Some set Taming of the Shrew in places like outer space or Twelfth Night in 1960s San Francisco. Anything to breathe new life into his 400-year-old plays.

Sherman Players’ new production of his tragicomedy Much Ado About Nothing sets the action in post World War I, after the collapse of empires and at the dawn of the roaring 20s.

Much Ado tells the tale of two couples — Hero (played in Sherman by Anya Nardone) and Claudio (Colin Mcloone), and Beatrice (Emily Roberson) and Benedick (Liam Mcgrath) — who navigate a series of misunderstandings and tricks surrounding their love. A villainous plot to harm Hero is orchestrated, leading to a fake accusation of her unchastity.

Ultimately, the truth is revealed, both couples are reunited, and the play ends on a note of reconciliation and happiness, as most Shakespeare comedies tend to do.

Director Robin Frome has done a fine job staging such a massive undertaking. This Sherman Players version consists of a 16-person cast and a running time of three hours.

It is truly the definition of an ensemble piece, with every person on the stage holding their own.

Two of the major standouts in this production are Liam McGrath as Benedict and Emily Roberson as Beatrice. Their chemistry is palpable. Shakespearean language and cadence are difficult undertakings for most actors, but these two make it look easy. They both bring a nice balance of old world rhythm and modern acting techniques. The audience is delighted watching them both together and individually.

McGrath brings boundless Jonathan Groff-like enthusiasm and energy to Benedict, which is a joy to watch. Roberson commands the stage as Beatrice, a force to be reckoned with.

Nardone as Hero brings a sweet innocence to her character which makes the audience root for her and Claudio to get together. McLoone also brings a delightful pathos to Claudio.

Nardone and McLoone were seen together earlier this season in A Flea in Her Ear at The Brookfield Theatre. Both bring a nice dash of humor and heart to the Sherman show.

While not on stage very long, Brian Feinberg and Billy Anderson bring comic relief as Dogberry and Verges, respectively. Feingberg’s Columbo-esque constable is a nice foil for the bumbling Verges. Anderson and Feinberg have few scenes but major laughs.

Alexa Wilde and Gus Botazzi step into the roles of Leonato and Don Pedro. These are two local theater staples who can always be counted on for wonderful performances.

The entire cast is made up of actors well versed in Shakespeare, which is often hard to find in a community theater production. Kudos to every one of them.

This is a solid and very enjoyable production, which will appeal to all Shakespeare-files.

Performances continue weekends through June 28 at The Sherman Playhouse. Tickets and more information can be found at shermanplayers.org.

Emily Roberson as Beatrice is one of the major standouts in The Sherman Players production of Much Ado About Nothing, which continues to June 28. —Trish Haldin Photography photo