Two Gentlemen of Verona
(Cast Page)
Scroll down to find audition information, a show summary, information about this year's production, and an interest form for crew and behind-the-scenes positions. Thanks for checking out The Shakespeare Society's 2023 Production Page!
What is "Two Gentlemen Of Verona" about, anyway?
Two Gentlemen of Verona is one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies. The story revolves around the friendship between two young men, Valentine and Proteus, who hail from the city of Verona. When Valentine decides to leave for the Duke's court in Milan, Proteus remains behind to court Julia, his love interest. However, as Proteus prepares to join Valentine, he too falls in love, this time with Sylvia, the Duke's daughter. The play takes a twist when Proteus betrays his friend's trust by attempting to woo Sylvia, causing a rift between the two gentlemen. Amidst mistaken identities, secret letters, and amusing disguises, the play explores themes of loyalty, love, and the complexities of friendship. Eventually, misunderstandings are resolved, and the characters come to realize the importance of honesty and genuine affection, leading to a harmonious conclusion that celebrates love and reconciliation.
What is different about your production?
This year we've decided to set our Two Gentlemen of Verona in the boring town of Verona, New Jersey. Our main gentlemen, Proteus and Valentine, are seniors at Verona High School, and have differing views on what the future holds. Valentine wants to travel and see the world, and has no interest in dating or silly events like a prom; Proteus, however, is a hopeless romantic, in love with an 11th grader named Julia. When Valentine goes away for spring break and then transfers to a prep school in Miami, Florida, he meets the beautiful and entrancing Silvia. The only problem? Silvia's father is the headmaster at Milan Academy and has very strict rules about her love life. She isn't interested in Chad Thurio, her father's first choice, but the sweet Valentine.
Meanwhile, Proteus' father has decided he needs to send his son to the Milan Academy and away from the distraction of girls. Proteus and Julia exchange promise rings and swear to be true (and to email each other at least once a week!), but as soon as Proteus arrives in the party town of South Beach, his vows are forgotten.
This high school version set in the era of Y2K has a slightly different ending, placing Julia in a more powerful position over her cheating ex, and forgoing the misogyny and abuse that happens in the original play. Welcome to Verona High!