The American University Department of Performing Arts took the Greenberg stage Theater company to the stage The Two "Gentlemen" of Verona — William Shakespeare’s first play — from March 26 to March 28.
The Department’s version of the show was humorous, fun and original, making for an incredible and mesmerizing production of the classic play about dissimilar topics of tested loyalty, betrayal, banishment and a clear outlier of love. The actors performed the show as written in Shakespearean English, however the songs are all originals by Greg Kotis and Aaron Posner.
Laughter, tears and intense emotion echoed through the Greenberg’s walls. The show brought Shakespeare to life in a breath of fresh air, and additions made to the show gave the women more agency.
“They deserve it,” the playbill read.
The show opened with an original song, sung by Thurio, played by College of Arts and Sciences sophomore Mary Claire Palmer. Palmer’s banjo solo and introduction drew audiences in via a beautiful soprano tone to learn the characters and setting of the modernized production.
Palmer brought charm to the stage with each appearance. Her mesmerizing voice and talented banjo playing made Palmer a standout, even if the audience is not necessarily meant to root for her character, Thurio.
The story followed four main characters, enveloped in love stories that tangle and unfold through jubilant music and comedic exchanges. Julia, portrayed by CAS junior Grace Tingen, is loved by Proteus, played by Jared Kirschenbaum, a senior in CAS. Colorful lighting and Kirschenbaum’s astounding stage presence hooked the audience in, with many laughing and cheering at his mannerisms and line delivery.
Tingen embodied Julia with a beautiful soprano and a youthful, yet relatable stage presence. Her jumps and stomps and longing glances were full of classic Shakespearean young love. Julia arguably has the most interesting storyline: falling in love with Proteus, learning he fell for Sylvia and joining him on his journey in a disguise. Julia is fierce, and Tingen’s performance left the audience rooting for her character, so much so they booed when her character forgives Proteus at the end.
The second couple consists of Valentine, played by Dylan Toll, and Sylvia, played by Lucille Rieke. A classic Shakespearean star-crossed lovers story, separated when Sylvia’s father the Duke, played by Daniel Zavilowitz, banishes Valentine.
Sylvia is promised to another man, Thurio, despite loving Valentine. Rieke’s Sylvia is one of elegance and relatability. She is a generous and kind character throughout the show, and the actress did an amazing job with her facial expressions and strange presence. Similar to her character, the actress’ energy was magnetic.
The band created the magic for the musical numbers and transitions between scenes, adding classic sound effects during scenes when characters joked, and would even nod and shake their heads when the characters would turn to them. This added a dimension of fourth wall breaking to the comedy, becoming characters themselves.
Although the four leads portrayed the love story, the ensemble made it possible. Unforgettable characters like Crab the dog, played by Elisa Manning, a junior in CAS — who stays silent for the whole show before breaking into a huge musical number about being a good dog — took the cake (or bone) for stage presence. She shines throughout the production both before and following this standout comedic break.
The ensemble took many costumes and forms; from maid dresses to beards, proving to be multi-talented.
Another standout ensemble member was Jack Wimsatt, a senior in CAS, as Lucetta. With a voice that was strong and beautiful, Wimsatt’s notes filled the auditorium and brought a commanding stage presence and outstanding characterization, leading the ensemble through various songs throughout the show.
As promised in the first song of the show, there was a happy ending. All the couples ended up together, and we’re happy that they are happy.
The show concluded on Saturday, March 28 and the show’s seniors celebrated their last curtain call before they perform their capstone projects.
This article was edited by Mina O’Dell, Jessica Ackerman and Walker Whalen. Copy editing done by Avery Grossman and Jaden Maitland Anderson.
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