There are only good things to be said about the UA Theatre Department’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona: The Musical. To say that I loved Two Gents would be the understatement of the year. Entertaining, hilarious, and exciting are only a few of the adjectives which could be used to describe the production. With outstanding musical performances in addition to sparkling acting, the stars of Two Gents shone brightly in the Marian Gallaway Theatre.
The set consists of scaffold-like platforms with stairs and spiral staircases, and numerous adornments. It works well for this show because it provides different levels to watch as well as special points for entrances and exits, adding a whole other dynamic to the show. Lighting is generally adequate, but especially effective at times with the use of a moon projection and changing tones to suit the intensity of the scene. Props are essential to Two Gents, and do a great deal to make the musical even more amusing. At one point a pink flowery bike flies onstage, seemingly by its own accord, at the simple snap of a finger. To travel, the characters use rolling “boats” to sail across stage. The musicians are excellent as well, and were conducted by the department’s own Raphael Crystal.
Based on the original Shakespeare script plus a few minor additions, the understandability of the plot is greatly enhanced by the songs, despite the Elizabethan language. The story is essentially about love, fleeting and long-lasting, and involves a love triangle, betrayal, and long lost lovers. It’s set in Verona and Milan, and is about two friends, Proteus and Valentine. Stephen Tyler Davis stars as Proteus and Michael Freeman as Valentine. Davis gives a fantastic performance, displaying his triple-threat abilities with tact, charisma and charm. Emily Ethridge is dazzling as Silvia, the love of Valentine. She amazed me with her vocal ability, and was absolutely fabulous in the sexy number “Night Letter.” Kenmichael Stafford provides a humorous character role as Silvia’s father, the Duke of Milan, soliciting laughs with his own occasional chuckle. Ben Holmes as Launce and Jere Hunt as Speed are excellent comedic supporting actors, playing somewhat clownish characters following their masters Proteus and Valentine, respectively. Launce’s dog, Crab, also adds some humor as the proposed gift for Proteus’s loves. The finale “Love Has Driven Me Sane” brings all the characters back onstage finally united with their true loves, concluding the show with a bang. I highly recommend this show to anyone, and may go back to see it again if I get the chance. It’s impossible to squeeze every amazing thing about this show into one review. It’s just something you’ll have to see for yourself!
