Shakespeare & Company, Lenox, MA
through September 4, 2016
by Shera Cohen
 |
| Photo by Ava G. Lindenmaier |
“Two Gentlemen of Verona,” one of The Bard’s early comedies,
performed infrequently at Shakespeare & Company (S&Co), hits the stage
running, dancing, promenading, singing, and clowning. The cast of 15 are a
colorful lot – literally and figuratively. The motley group boasts royalty,
outlaws, servants, lovers, scoundrels, and a dog that steals the show.
This is a Shakespeare play which is quite easy “to get” by
any fledgling audience member. At the crux of the tale are two handsome young
men; 16th century BFFs. Our hero, Valentine, journeys to Verona. There he meets
and falls in love with Sylvia. Back home, Proteus, engaged to Julia, decides to
join his buddy, sets his eyes on Sylvia, and also falls in love. Poor Julia?
Out of sight, out of mind. The story is light, until the ending, although
issues of true friendship, betrayal, and fickle love are demonstrated
throughout. There’s the woman disguised as a man theme, love triangle, and
razor sharp servants (called clowns) which often populate these comedies.
It is wonderful to see many S&Co “regulars” and “former
regulars” on stage; i.e. Jason Asprey, John Hadden, and Ryan Winkles. In my
early S&Co days, I primarily saw Asprey featured in dramas and history
plays. Now, a bit older, he seems to have diversified his talents, making for a
perfectly enjoyable servant. I could say the same about Hadden’s onstage
personas of years ago. I hadn’t realized that Hadden could also portray comedy
with a capital “C.” Together with his dog, Hadden has the best lines in the
story. Winkles uses every cell in his body (well, it seems that way) to become
whoever S&Co needs him to be, in this case the not too bright, somewhat
bumbling, well-meaning Valentine. Winkles captures every verbal and physical
nuance – anything that legitimately makes his character funnier. Winkles
doubles as fight choreographer, earning extra kudos for some laugh-out-loud
rumbles.
Of course, none of these talents, not to mention the others
in the cast, could do pretty much anything without the Jonathan Croy’s
director’s hand. Croy, like the others mentioned, is part of the tried &
true S&Co team. My guess is that because Croy is one of the funniest actors
on the S&Co stages, it is natural that he was chosen to direct this comedy.
For those who insist on Shakespeare “pure,” perhaps S&Co
is not the venue for you. However, I think, and many agree that additions of
shtick, 21st century puns, RAP music, and audience participation makes for fun
theatre.
