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Review: 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' is a 10

Shakespeare's Two Gentlemen of Verona will run from Aug. 7 to 18 at the picturesque perfect Gem O' the Isle farm

The Two Gentleman of Verona is a 10!

Seasoned Shakespeare director Alex Gallacher once again knocks it out of Charles Hoey Park with the signature style he's been bringing to the Bard's work for years during a full-house sneak peek performance held in the hustle and bustle of downtown Duncan during the final day of the 39 Days of July on Aug. 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 that boasts gender-swapped leads with Laura Faulkner and Senya Pike playing the titular gentlemen, and friends Valentine and Proteus that end up both competing for the affections of the same fair lady. 

The story opens when Valentine of Verona is preparing to leave for Milan, accompanied by his servant, Speed who is played comically by veteran actor Bill Levity. With the high hopes of expanding his horizons at the Duke of Milan's court, Valentine hopes his best friend Proteus will join him, but with Proteus unwilling to leave his true love Julia (Breann Gallacher), a disenchanted Valentine embarks on his journey alone. 

Proteus's father, who disagrees with his son's decision and feels he should be putting his mind to his gentlemanly education, orders him to leave for Milan the following day.  This unexpected departure prompts a tearful farewell with his beloved Julia. Vows and rings are exchanged before Proteus hits the road accompanied by his own servant Launce, (Rick Rodrigues) and his dog Crab. Rodrigues breathes much life into the comic relief role of Launce, particularly in the scene when he expresses how mortified he is by his dog's lack of compassion on the situation at hand, while using physical comedy to talk more in detail on his family. 

Trouble in the paradise of Milan begins once Valentine falls head over feet for Silvia (Sierra Compton), daughter of the Duke, played by director Alex Gallacher, who has his sights set on his offspring marrying the foppish Thurio. When Proteus arrives in Milan he also finds himself smitten with Silvia, determined to win her over, Proteus also finds himself under the weight of betraying both his friend and his lover. Betrayal, banishment, and a band of outlaws are just a few of the twists in what is considered to be one of old Will's earliest works that hits home the asinine behaviour that comes when fools fall in love.

All actors deliver the goods, as hilarity ensues in this complex romantic comedy that is accompanied with unrequited love, and desperate disguises. Thespians of all ages embodied their characters to a tee, as they competed with the surrounding sounds of traffic roaring by. Even a wailing siren could not break the concentration or character of these talented local actors. 

With no more spoilers from me, Shakespeare devotees will want to buckle in for this fun filled ride of friendship, infidelity and what the heart wants in 'Two Gentlemen of Verona', which unfolds at Gem O the Isle farm located at 2465 Koksilah Rd. in Duncan, with evening performances on Aug. 7, 10, 12, 14, and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Aug. 18.

Tickets for this show can be purchased in person at Ten Old Books or online at shawniganplayers.com. General admission singles tickets are $25, or $50 for families, which allows two adults and up to three youth to enjoy the show. Shakespeare fans will also not want to miss out on Rob Foell's Love's Labour's Lost, which will run alternate nights until Aug. 17, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Aug. 11. Single tickets for both plays are $40, while families can enjoy both shows for $80.