While those words paraphrase a famous scene in Hamlet, one of the featured plays of Shakespeare in the 'Burg 2015, it just about sums up a very successful weekend of live theatre and more.

Much ado about Middleburg was created March 27-29, as attendance at Shakespeare in the 'Burg 2015 doubled over last year. Lots of visitors and local residents created real excitement throughout the weekend, showcasing the theatre arts in our village that is rapidly becoming an arts destination.

The weekend began with a showing of West Side Story, sponsored by the Hill School. The next day, guests were treated to a gourmet lunch from The Home Farm Store and Ayrshire Farm, before a performance of the winning play from the 2015 one-act playwriting competition. The audience was warmed up by the music of The Crooked Angels—Jamie and Amy Potter—before actors performed Tattoos, by Tim Cahill.

This play, which drew laughs and tears from the audience, marked a significant step forward for this part of the Shakespeare in the 'Burg weekend, with a fully staged performance from actors Jack Seely, Rami Zein and Laurie Maggiano. David Sturdevant skillfully directed the actors to create a fine performance. Calls for play submissions for 2016 will go out soon.

The American Shakespeare Center brought Hamlet and Much Ado About Nothing to the Middleburg Community Center this year. The staging of these two plays was challenging in the stage space, so actors performed on the floor, "in the round." Every corner of the Community Center was filled by the audience. Next year, the plays will be Henry V by William Shakespeare and The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde. Plans are underway to extend the stage to provide better viewing from every corner of the Community Center. More information about Shakespeare in the 'Burg 2016 will be coming at the end of the summer.

As visitors from across the region came to Middleburg for Shakespeare in the 'Burg 2015, it took a little army of volunteers to make it all happen. The event committee extends its heartfelt thanks to all those who helped so much, as well as to the Hill School, Three Fox Vineyards and Popcorn Monkey for their support.

Next year will be even bigger, as plans are underway for some surprises.

"A kingdom for a stage, princes to act … And monarchs to behold the swelling scene" – Henry V