BWW Reviews: TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA from Seattle Shakespeare Company

Seattle Shakes is currently presenting one of William Shakespeare's more lighthearted ventures, the fun and goofy "Two Gentlemen of Verona".  And while Shakespeare's comedies don't always broaden one's horizons (culturally speaking) you're sure to have a totally awesome time with this one, dude.

We start our play with Proteus (Daniel Brockley) and Valentine (Connor Toms), two lifelong best friends.  They do everything together.  So when Proteus decides to go off to University and leave his best friend behind, Proteus has no choice but to dump his girlfriend Julia and follow him to University in Milan.  Once there they both end up falling for the same girl, the lovely Sylvia.  Sound like a plot line from one of those vapid CW Network shows like "Gossip Girl"?  Well, guess what, the director, Marcus Goodwin, has chosen to transplant our valiant players from Verona, Italy 1590 to Verona, California 2010.  And our heroes are Rich Little party boys with over privileged girlfriends complete with texting, IPhones and a thumpin' soundtrack.  It's more like an episode of "The O.C." (a very well written episode) than your usual bard.   

Now, I usually hate when directors pull this stuff.  They feel the need to put their own little stamp on a classic, mark their territory if you will.  And usually it ends of lending absolutely nothing to the show (such as Seattle Shakes earlier production of "Twelfth Night" this past Christmas).  But I have to say in this instance, it completely worked.  Goodwin has managed to insert all of the modern day sensibilities of a insipid Californian while still matching it with the sensibilities (and language.  He doesn't change a word) of the pampered denizens of Shakespeare's original play.  And really, the show does read like it could be a current TV show.  There are friendships, betrayal, subversion and even a bit with a dog.  I wonder if Shakespeare were alive today, if he might end up writing for one of those ridiculous shows.

Another reason this works is in no small part due to the stellar cast.  Toms is delightful as the lovable Valentine.  He inhabits his love struck and betrayed character with humor and strength and has created a very rich performance.  If you need the correlation, I see his as a Chandler from "Friends".  The misguided and duplicitous Brockely as Proteus turns in a singular performance as a man willing to abandon his friendship for the next pretty face to cross his path while in Milan (it's a wonder this didn't happen before back in Verona).  Think Banrey from "How I Met Your Mother".  And the poor unfortunate girl Julia left behind who tracks down the wayward Proteus, is hilariously played (with a very Elle Woods from "Legally Blonde" sensibility) by the always superb Hana Lass.  You may remember Lass from her outstanding performance in "Crime and Punishment" at the Intiman.  Well her performance here is not as tragic but just as good.  And rounding out the lovers we have Emily Grogan as the beautiful Sylvia.  Shakespeare doesn't give her as much to do as the others but when she has her moments they are filled with power and verve.  We'll match her with Amanda from "Melrose Place".

Chris Ensweiler and Russ in TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA" With a brilliant supporting cast the show is sure to please even the most diehard bard aficionado.  But I must point out two stand outs.  Matt Shimkus took the three small nibbles of roles he was given and made them a feast.  From his homeless soldier in the wilds to his thuggish Russian henchmen to serving as Sylvia's main gay, Egleamour (who was in a word, Fabulous), Shimkus manages to make the most for himself and for us out of every moment he has on stage.  And, of course, I must mention Chris Ensweiler as the totally mellow Lance.  Yes, he has the bit with the dog, but he manages to turn the comic relief of the show into a play all unto himself.  A thoroughly well thought out performance with depth that could have been just a bit with a dog (oh and a special Snausage to Russ, the cutest bulldog ever).

Add into all of this a superb sound design from Robertson Witmer and an amazing use of video projections by lighting designer Andrew D. Smith and scenic designer Jason Phillips and this show could very easily give some Broadway shows a run for their money.  So break out your sunglasses and SPF 50 and visit the kids down at Verona 90210 for a bitchin' time.

Seattle Shakespeare Company's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" plays at the Center House Theatre through April 11^th.  For tickets or information contact the box office at 206-733-8222 or visit them online at www.seattleshakespeare.org.

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