The Two Gentlemen of Verona| a Curtainup Berkshire Review

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A CurtainUp Berkshire Review

The Two Gentlemen of Verona

By Chesley Plemmons

I have sat in the stocks for the puddings he hath stolen; otherwise he had been executed. I have stood on the pillory for geese he hath killed; otherwise he had suffered for't.
— Lance tells of sacrifices made for his dog, Crab.

Kate Abbruzzese and Tamara Hickey. (Photo by Ava G. Lindenmaier).

It's not unusual for a reviewer to wax eloquently and lengthily about an actor strutting his stuff in a classic play. It's less frequent when you find yourself gushing about the play itself — classics earn their position of respect and are usually then relegated to second place in the realm of theater production. Which is why this review of The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Shakespeare & Company is being written with a lingering fizzy glow brought on by witnessing a near perfect production.

Fans of the Bard would protest that the play is perfect even just on paper, but director Jonathan Croy and a superlative collection of actors and designers have turned out an absolute delight that's fresh as a daisy. Perhaps I have lately been fed too constant a menu of Twelfth Night, Much Ado About Nothing and The Taming of the Shrew.

Though one of Shakespeare's earliest plays (and not that often produced) Gentlemen is almost a quintessential collection of the best comedic elements and plots that fill his more popular works. Here are ardent young lovers suffering from parental disapproval, tearful separations, mistaken identities, overheard secrets, broad comics, bandits, "magically" reconciliations and in this instance, Crab, a dog, And what a dog! He is played with laconic distain by a lovely white creature named Ella, who came over to nuzzle me in my front row seat, proving that even dogs know how to get a good review

Friends Valentine (Ryan Winkles) and Proteus (Thomas Brazzle ) are separated when Valentine is sent to Verona. Later Proteus says farewell to his love, Julia (Kate Abbbruzzese) and also travels to Verona. There he finds himself completely captivated by Sylvia (Cloteal L. Horne), the new beloved of Valentine. Normally a good friend would keep hands off, but Proteus is an unusual hero (if that) pursing Sylvia and in turn betraying his friend. To complicate matters Julia has decided to follow Proteus disguised as Sebastian, a page.

These four actors send off the sparks one expects from hapless young lovers and the rest of the large cast add special zest to the convoluted story: Jason Asprey (Speed) and Lance (John Hadden) supply laughs as two clownish servants not far removed from the antic style of the Three Stooges, while Erick Avari chews a little scenery (successfully) as the Duke. Deaon Griffin-Pressley and Bella Martin were outlaws with swagger but they seemed more like pirates than Robin Hood wannabes, despite their "forest" connection.

Costumes by Stella Schwartz were exceptionally colorful and apt and Kris Stone's set proved a fun playground. The original music by Luke Reed was a lively contribution.

It may all seem familiar, and maybe has become, but director Croy and his merry makers will have you seeing this play with different eyes – right down to his choice to end on an ironic, wry note.

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PRODUCTION NOTES
The Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare
Directed by Jonathon Croy
Cast: Kate Abbruzzese (Julia), Jason Asprey (Speed), Peter Andersen (Panthino, Admiral), Erick Avari (The Duke), Thomas Brazzle (Proteus), Michael Fuchs (Antonio/Host), Deaon Griffin-Pressley ( Outlaw Billy Bob), John Hadden (Launce), Tamara Hickey (Lucetta), Cloteal L.Horne (Sylvia), Shahar Issac (Sir Eglamour), Bella Merlin (Outlaw Lizzy Burnett), Ryan Winkles (Valentine), Dylan Wittrock,(Sir Thurio), Ella (Crab).
Set Design: Kris Stone
Costume Design: Stella Schwartz
Lighting Design: Matthew Miller
Sound Design: Iain Fisher
Choreographer: Susan Dibble & Cast
Fight Choreographer: Ryan Winkles
Voice/Dialect Coach: Gwendolyn Schwinke
Original music: Luke Reed
Stage Managers: Laura Kathryne Gomez, Hope Rose Kelly
Through September 4.
Tina Packer Playhouse Shakespeare & Company 70 Kemble Street Lennox, Massachusetts 01240 Running time: 2 hours, 40 minutes including one intermission. Tickets: www.shakespere.org or (413) 637-3353. Reviewed by Chesley Plemmons on opening night Friday, August 12.

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