Will Cupid’s arrows hit their marks? Or, as sometimes happens in a William Shakespeare play, will some manipulation and machination be required? Find out in Pier One Theatre’s production of Shakespeare’s witty and charming love story, “Much Ado Nothing.”

The play opens Friday at the little red theater on the Homer Spit. Directed by Jennifer Norton, the Pier One Theatre version includes 16th century madrigal music and songs of love arranged by Sue Biggs, with an original composition by her included as well.

In the play set in Italy, returning triumphant from war, Prince Don Pedro and his cohorts Claudio and Benedick pay a visit to Messina and the home of Leonato. Thoughts of war turn to love and Leonato’s daughter Hero is soon betrothed to Claudio.

Happy with their lot, Claudio and Hero, together with Don Pedro and Leonato, conspire to get verbal sparring partners and confirmed singles Benedick and Beatrice to wed as well. This happy scene is marred by the plotting of Don John, the Prince’s brother and enemy.

The play shows at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and July 11, 12 and 13, with a 3 p.m. matinee performance on July 6. General admission is $20, with discounts for seniors, youth and Raven’s Club members. Tickets are on sale at the Homer Bookstore and Sea Lion Art & Lodging. For will call tickets and information, call 907-226-2287.

Cast:

Don Pedro: Carolyn Norton

Don John/Watchman: Kathleen Gustafson

Benedick: Tom Custer

Claudio: Asa Panarelli

Messenger/Watchman: Olivia Glasman

Balthasar: Van Hawkins

Borachio/Ursula: Lydia Thomas

Conrad/Margaret: Alison Rambo

Leonato: Peter Norton

Antonio/Sexton: Brian Duffy

Hero: Katia Holmes

Beatrice: Stephanie Long

Dogberry: Peter Sheppard

Verges/Gentlewoman: Cathy Stingley

Friar Francis: Robert Karnos

Orchestra:

Violin/Recorder: Sue Biggs

Bassoon/Recorder: Jane Parrish

Flute/Recorder: Virginia Cuffe

Costumes by Lynne Burt, Marie Walker and Deanna Thomas

Lights by Dustin Davis and Simon Lopez