Review: “Two Gentlemen from Verona” is a 10

The Two gentlemen from Verona is 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 the stage at the preview of this year’s production of Two gentlemen from Verona The play features gender-swapped lead roles: Laura Faulkner and Senya Pike play the eponymous gentlemen, and friends Valentine and Proteus both end up competing for the affections of the same beautiful lady.

The story begins as Valentine of Verona prepares to leave for Milan. He is accompanied by his servant Speed, played in a comical way by veteran actor Bill Levity. With high hopes of broadening his horizons at the court of the Duke of Milan, Valentine hopes that his best friend Proteus will accompany him. However, since Proteus is unwilling to leave his true love Julia (Breann Gallacher), a disillusioned Valentine sets out on the journey alone.

Proteus' father does not agree with his son's decision and believes he should concentrate on his training as a gentleman, so he 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 a comic relief, particularly in the scene where he expresses how embarrassed he is by his dog's lack of compassion in the current situation, while speaking at greater length about his family with physical comedy.

Trouble in Milan begins when Valentine falls head over heels for Silvia (Sierra Compton), 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. But Proteus must also deal with the burden of having betrayed both his friend and his 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.

All the actors deliver excellent performances as this complex romantic comedy, which is full of unrequited love and desperate disguises, is full of comedy. Actors of all ages perfectly embodied their characters while competing with the noise of the traffic rushing by. Even a blaring siren couldn't break the concentration or character of these talented local actors.

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 should also check out Rob Foell's Love's labour lostwhich runs on alternate nights through August 17, with a matinee at 2 p.m. on August 11. Individual tickets for both plays are $40, while families can enjoy both performances for $80.