Great comedy combines with great music when the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre opens its final show of the year, Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the DeWitt Theatre at 8 p.m. on July 27.
Great comedy combines with great music when the Hope Summer Repertory Theatre opens its final show of the year, Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the DeWitt Theatre at 8 p.m. on July 27.
Shakespeare's romantic comedy finds new life in this rock-and-roll creation by HSRT director and actor James Saba, along with musical arrangements by Steve Gunderson, who was behind the hit Suds. The hits of the 50's and 60's retell the adventures of Valentine and Proteus and the wild series of events that occur when the already betrothed Proteus falls for Valentine's beloved.
Greg Thompson (Orphans) and Kevin Johnston (Wizard of Oz) star along with Jill MacLean (Rumors) and Nicole Mangi (He Loves, She Loves). Equity actors Dana Snyder and Chip Duford are also part of an incredible cast, which includes Elizabeth Loos (Wizard of Oz, Rumors), Ross Williams (Man of La Mancha), and many others.
Saba directs his own version of one of Shakespeare's earliest plays, and Fred Tessler provides musical direction. Meribeth Kisner choreographed the show.
After opening night, The Two Gentlemen of Verona will also play on July 28, 31, August 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, and 11.
While at the box office be sure to reserve tickets for the other great HSRT productions, including Lyle Kessler's Orphans, the popular Educating Rita, Neil Simon's Rumors and the cabaret show at the Via Maria restaurant, He Loves, She Loves. In addition, the Children's Performance troupe is presenting The New Kid and a recent adaptation of The Ugly Duckling.
Tickets are available now. The ticket office is located in the DeWitt Center, on the Hope College campus at the corner of 12th Street and Columbia Avenue. Prices range from $8-$24 for musicals, and $6 to $18 for plays. Ticket office hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday; noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and one hour before all show times. Tickets may also be purchased by calling (616) 395-7890.