LARNED — Mix in a bit of matchmaking, an abundance of suitors, chaos in the kitchen, a lady visitor with conviction and a cause (civilizing the male of the species), stir in an officer and a gentleman, then top it off with a play within a play (“Trial and Treachery”) and you have an evening full of fun, entertainment and laughter. 
“Much Ado About Everything,” may not be Shakespeare, but it doesn’t have to be — it’s farce at its best, according to a volunteer theatrical troupe in Larned.  Set at a 19th Century frontier military post, the play evokes the look and feel of a bygone era.
“Much Ado About Everything” is a tribute to the amateur theatricals of the 1860s and keeping their memory and history alive.  The cast is composed of volunteers who enjoy portraying historical figures.
The Post Players, formally know as The Fort Larned Post Players, take to the stage with an eye to delighting audiences young and old with their sense of good fun and antics.
The group last performed at Fort Larned National Historic Site during the 2008 and 2009 Labor Day weekends.  They are again up and running with performances set for Nov. 5-6 at the Knights of Columbus in Larned. 
The Saturday, Nov. 5 performance will be a dinner theater presentation with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. The ticket price for the dinner and play is $15. The Sunday, Nov. 6 performance will be a dessert theater at 2 p.m., and the ticket price is $8. 
Reservations are required for both performances are requested by Oct. 31 by calling 620-804-6040 or Marla Matkin at 785-421-5513.
The Post Players also plan to take their show on the road to benefit worthy causes.
Many in the group have devoted a great deal of their time, energy and talent to promoting their love of Kansas and western history. They will offer a performance of the play free of charge to historic sites and organizations, who are adjusting to funding cuts. It’s their way of giving back to the history they love and preserving it for future generations. The group encourages anyone to be a part of this endeavor.