Two Gentlemen of Verona: Prescott’s Production of Shakespeare sparkles!
Photo by Andrew Alexander. Perfoming are Warren Bain & Quincy Armorer
A sparkling and witty production of Shakespeare’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” is running in rep with “The Tempest” at the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival in Prescott, Ontario. If you’ve never seen what is possibly Shakespeare’s first comedy, this is a good production to start out on. Director Ian Farthing has made judicious cuts and tweaks that clean up some problems with the script, particularly the awkward dénouement. He’s also set the play in the late 1920s, a perfect period for this light-hearted tale of friendship versus passion.
Andrea Robertson Walker has designed a background set of panels painted with soft pastel colors in art deco style. There’s a gauzy curtained entrance up center. The musicians are visible throughout on the center platform. Vanessa Imeson has designed great period costumes in shades of white, cream and beige with deco-like accents of black and brown. She’s even come up with what are often neglected – wonderful period shoes for both the men and women.
The cast is strong and, as is usual at Prescott, they’re good musicians. David Adams is fine as the Duke and also does a fine vocal on “Night and Day.” Warren Bain has great fun with Silvia’s stodgy suitor Thurio, who’s two bricks short of a load. As Antonio and also the outlaw leader, Nicholas Rice is obviously a very good actor. He’s also a nifty drummer. Pierre Brault as Speed, servant to Proteus, has the perfect comic style for the piece, and also makes his debut on upright bass.
Melissa Morris does a nice job as Silvia, wooed by Valentine, and really shines as Music Director and Composer. Her arrangements of the many songs are very good and the trio harmonies outstanding. I especially liked the Finale arrangement of “Blue Skies.” As Julia, beloved of Proteus, Claire Armstrong creates a sympathetic and three-dimensional character. She also fills in very nicely on keyboard. The two ladies have a very strong scene together in Act II.
Nathan Carroll makes a believably naïve Valentine easily manipulated by his supposed friend Proteus, ably played by Quincy Armorer – shades of Iago! If I were Julia, by the final scene I would trust him as far as I could heave a bowling ball. Mr. Carroll also plays a mean sax and Mr. Armorer does a nice vocal on “Who Is Silvia.”
Mr. Farthing has made an unusual choice in casting a woman as Launce, servant to Valentine. It works though, and allows for romantic by-play between the two servants. Kerry Ann Doherty is very good in the role and also in dealing with the audience. Last but certainly not least, is her dog Crabbe, played by Ellie Mae Casselman in an elegant period doggie coat. This little charmer is a scene stealer par excellence. Lance and Crabbe are a perfect example of the joining of true love and friendship.
Ian Farthing has added quite a few songs of the period that comment on the action. The cast all sing as well as play various instruments in various combinations. Don’t miss the two that begin the play – a trio of ladies do a fine arrangement of “Summertime” followed by a lively male trio version of “Blue Skies.” One of Mr. Farthing’s cleverest insertions happens while Julia changes into male disguise to follow Proteus. Her change is underscored by a strong vocal of “I’ve Got You under My Skin.”
I’ve run out of room and time to mention every cast member and song. Suffice it to say that this is an all-round terrific production with a versatile and talented cast. Ian Farthing has created a version of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” that’s just plain fun.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona – St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival, Prescott ON through Aug. 16, in rep with The Tempest Tkts:613-925-5788
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Ian Farthing
Set: Andrea Robertson Walker
Costumes: Vanessa Imeson
Composer & Music Director: Melissa Morris
Choreography: Kerry Ann Doherty
CAST
Valentine: Nathan Carroll
Proteus: Quincy Armorer
Speed: Pierre Brault
Julia: Claire Armstrong
Lucetta: Gabrielle Lazarovitz
Antonio: Nicholas Rice
Panthino: Brent Buchanan
Thurio: Warren Bain
Eglamour: Mitchell Wedgewood
Duke of Milan: David Adams
Silvia: Melissa Morris
Launce: Kerry Ann Doherty
Crabbe the Dog: Ellie Mae Casselman
Hostess: Camille Beauchamp
First Outlaw: Nicholas Rice
Second Outlaw: Gabrielle Lazarovitz
Third Outlaw: Brent Buchanan