Jungle Theater to Present Shakespeare's THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

To kick off her first season as the Jungle Theater's Artistic Director, Sarah Rasmussen will direct THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA, one of William Shakespeare's first plays. With twists that echo in his later work, this lavish production honors and mirrors Elizabethan tradition with an all-female cast. The new version also offers a modern take on Shakespeare's own Globe Theatre, bringing 24 seats on stage to create a dynamic connection between actors and audience. The Two Gentlemen of Verona opens February 12 and runs through March 27 at the Lyn-Lake neighborhood theater, 2951 Lyndale Ave. So. in Minneapolis.

Ivey Award-winning Christiana Clark returns to the Twin Cities to reprise her role as Proteus, which she performed at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF) in August 2014 with Rasmussen at the helm. Costume designer Moria Sine Clinton, who created the sumptuous costumes for the Jungle's In the Next Room, designed for OSF and this production as well. Rasmussen directed the Jungle's In the Next Room in 2012, which won the IVEY Award for Overall Excellence in 2013.

Far more than a gimmick or a superficial gesture towards equality, this Jungle show offers ample proof that an all-female cast can transform and illuminate the familiar texts-and in this case, even improve them. Joining Clark on stage is a multigenerational cast featuring Shá Cage, Maggie Chestovich, George Keller, Barbara Kingsley, Lenne Klingaman, Wendy Lehr, Mo Perry, Andrea Gonzales and ensemble members Taylor Harvey, Maia Hernandez, Am'ber Montgomery, Madelyn Pham and Lily Wangrin.

This winning comedy asks, "Is all really fair in love?" Young Proteus (Clark) only has eyes for his hometown sweetheart, Julia (Chestovich). But on a trip to Milan, he gets one look at the lovely Sylvia (Klingaman)...and dumps Julia in a heartbeat. Two problems: Sylvia is his best friend's girl, and Julia won't be dumped that easily. Add a band of outlaws, an outraged father and bad-mannered dog (played by Bear, George Keller's real-life animal companion), and it's friend versus friend in this wild tale of friendship and forgiveness.

Scenic design is by Andrew Boyce, who is adapting the OSF set for the intimate Jungle stage. Rounding out Rasmussen's creative team are Barry Browning (lighting designer), Andre Pluess (composer/sound designer) collaborating with Sean Healey (sound designer), and John Stillwell (technical director).

New this SeasonFor this production only, there will be 24 onstage seats, offering an up-close and personal look at the production from the actors' point of view. Stage seats for all performances are $20 each or $16 for groups of 10 or more. Also new this year is the "$25 Under 30" program where anyone under 30 years old can purchase Friday night tickets for $25 (rather than the usual $48). The 2016 Season introduces the Jungle's "Come Early Stay Late" program, which will offer pre- and post-show conversations at every performance. Come early (one hour prior to curtain) and stay late sessions (immediately following the show) will give audience members the opportunity to discuss the play's themes and ideas with people in the know.

Ticket informationPerformances of The Two Gentlemen of Verona are Tuesdays ($28), Wednesdays ($35) and Thursdays ($40) at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays ($45) and Saturdays at 8 p.m. ($48); Sundays at 2 p.m. ($40) and 7:30 p.m. ($35). Senior, student and group discounts are also available, and rush tickets are offered every night of the week based on availability at 30 minutes prior to the performance for $10 off the regular price for adults and half-price for students. Tickets are available at (612) 822-7063 or online at www.jungletheater.comTHE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONABy William ShakespeareDirected by Sarah RasmussenFebruary 12-March 27, 2016The Jungle Theater2951 Lyndale Av. S., Minneapolis Tickets: $25-$48 (on stage $20)Box office: 612-822-7063 or www.jungletheater.com

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