Review: “Two Gentlemen from Verona” is a 10

The “Two Gentlemen from Verona” are a 10!

Veteran Shakespeare director Alex Gallacher once again brings the distinctive style he has brought to the Bard's works for years to Charles Hoey Park at a sold-out preview performance in the bustling downtown Duncan on the last day of the 39 Days in July on August 5.

It was a beautiful day for outdoor theatre and the entire cast shone brighter than the hot sun under which they performed.

Shakespeare fans filled almost every seat at the preview of this year's production of Two Gentlemen of Verona. The lead roles are gender-reversed: Laura Faulkner and Senya Pike play the titular gentlemen, and friends Valentine and Proteus vie for the affections of the beautiful ladies Silvia (Sierra Compton) and Julia (Breann Gallacher). These four actors deliver outstanding performances, as the mood is hilarious in this complex romantic comedy, which is accompanied by unrequited love and desperate disguises. Actors of all ages perfectly embodied their characters as they competed for the stage with the noise of the rushing traffic. Even a blaring siren couldn't disrupt the concentration or character of these talented local actors.

The story begins as Valentine of Verona prepares to leave for Milan. He is accompanied by his servant Speed, played in a comical manner by veteran actor Bill Levity. Valentine hopes that his best friend Proteus will accompany him to the court of the Duke of Milan, as he has high hopes of broadening his horizons at the court of the Duke of Milan. However, since Proteus is unwilling to leave his true love Julia, a disillusioned Valentine sets out on the journey alone. Proteus' father, who disagrees with his son's decision and believes that he should focus on his education as a gentleman, orders him to leave for Milan the next day.

This unexpected departure sparks a tearful farewell to his beloved Julia. Wedding vows and rings are exchanged before Proteus sets off, accompanied by his own servant Launce (Rick Rodrigues) and his dog Crab. Rodrigues breathes a lot of life into the role of Launce as comic relief, especially in the scene where he expresses how ashamed he is at his dog's lack of compassion while using his shoes and staff to talk about his family at greater length.

Trouble in Milan begins when Valentine falls head over heels in love with Silvia, the Duke's daughter, played by director Alex Gallacher, who is determined to get his offspring to marry the foppish Thurio. When Proteus arrives in Milan, he also has a crush on Silvia and is determined to win her over. In addition, Proteus must deal with the weight of betraying his friend and lover. Betrayal, exile and a band of outlaws are just some of the twists and turns in one of Will's earliest works, which encapsulates the silly behavior of fools who fall in love.

Without giving too much away, Shakespeare fans should buckle up for this entertaining journey of friendship, infidelity and heartfelt desires in “Two Gentlemen of Verona.” The play is playing at Gem O'the Isle Farm, 2465 Koksilah Road in Duncan, with evening performances on August 7, 10, 12, 14 and 16 at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 18.

Tickets for this show can be purchased in person at Ten Old Books or online at shawniganplayers.com. Individual general admission tickets are $25 or $50 for families, allowing two adults and up to three youth to enjoy the show. Shakespeare fans also won't want to miss Rob Foell's “Love's Labour's Lost,” which will be performed on alternating nights through August 17, with a 2 p.m. matinee on August 11. Individual tickets for both plays are $40, while families can enjoy both shows for $80.