ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT REPORTS FROM THE TIMES, NEWS SERVICES AND THE NATION’S PRESS.

ORANGE COUNTY STAGE

Much Ado: Douglas Sills, known for his Tony-nominated swashbuckling and comic mincing on Broadway as the title character in “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” will star as Benedick in South Coast Repertory’s production of Shakespeare’s “Much Ado About Nothing.” Veteran SCR actress Nike Doukas will play opposite Sills as Beatrice, Benedick’s romantic interest and intellectual sparring partner. Director Mark Rucker is setting the play amid the glamorous world of 1930s Hollywood. Previews begin Feb. 23; the play runs March 2 to April 1. (714) 708-5555.