Maryland Shakespeare Festival Maryland Shakespeare Festival The Maryland Shakespeare Festival (MSF), also known for a short time as "Maryland Shakespeare Company," was a theater company based in Frederick, Maryland dedicated to the performance of Shakespeare's plays, education about Shakespeare, and performance research. Founded in 1999 by Becky Kemper and Steven Hoochuk, MSF was originally called "The Shakespeare Project." That spring a High School Intern Company was formed, and performed at the Frederick Festival of the Arts. The first Good Will Tour (GWT) of the company was "Much Ado About Nothing", which was performed for almost 3,000 in the 3 tour stops. In the
Much Ado About Nothing (1993 film) of the humor, the performances, and Branagh's lively direction, of which he wrote, "This film cements Branagh's status as a great director of Shakespeare, and perhaps of film in general, as well." Conversely, Peter Travers of "Rolling Stone" wrote the film a negative review, praising some moments as "invigorating fun", but ultimately calling it "overripe." Most of the negative criticisms focused on particular casting choices, notably Keanu Reeves as Don John, and Michael Keaton as Dogberry. For his performance in the film, Reeves was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor, where he lost to Woody Harrelson