The Two Gentlemen of Verona at Austin Shakespeare

Austin Shakespeare will be returning to Zilker Park this fall -- in an entirely new way due to COVID 19 and its associated health restrictions. The City of Austins Artist Access Program has opened the large Zilker Hillside Theatre for distanced masked rehearsals and ultimately a video taping of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which will be co-presented with the Long Center for the Performing Arts.Originally scheduled to stage The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the spring at The Curtain Theatre, Austin Shakespeares teen company, Young Shakespeare, will instead present the comedy online on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. There wont be an audience during filming, but we cant wait to see these talented young actors on stage, said Ann Ciccolella, Austin Shakespeares artistic director. They had a blast rehearsing this joyous comedy in the spring and I know our audiences will appreciate this play at this time.Inspired by music from Galt MacDermot, who wrote the rock musical HAIR, the production is a blast from the past, with costume design inspired by the 1970s from Cecelia Gay. The Two Gentlemen of Verona features many of Shakespeares comedic staples, including a woman in male disguise; two men who are best friends rivaling for the same love interest; plus a servant and his comic dog.For more than a decade, Austin Shakespeare has brought the power and potential of Shakespeare to area teens through its Young Shakespeare program. In addition to being incredibly talented, this cast has been flexible and supportive through what has been one of the most disrupted seasons ever, said original co-director Nancy Eyermann. This talented group has not missed a beat. They are as energized, engaging and fun to watch on screen as they are live on stage.Ciccolella said the company has several surprises that they hope will delight audiences. "Young Shakespeare is always an exciting adventure, she said. This year is no different. Young Shakespeare actors range from ages 11-20, come from Austin, Pflugerville, Kyle and Dale, and attend Anderson High School, Lehman High School, UT Austin, UT Dallas, Murchison Middle School and James Bowie High School. The young company is trained by professionals, with Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella and Associate Director Gwendolyn Kelso. Actors include Ben Frey as Proteus, Gabriel Cruz as the other amorous gentleman, Valentine; Campbell Collins as Julia; Eleanor Walter as the captivating Silvia; Richard White as the humorous Eglamour; Madelyn Reed as Antonio and Mercy Olguin as the Duchess. New to the cast are Sarah Wells as the clown, Launce, Jackson Childs as the bumbling Speed, Athena Eugene as Panthino, and Vittoria Maggi as the witty Host. The City of Austin and Austin Shakespeare are committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. For assistance, please contact (512) 974-3914 or Relay Texas 7-1-1.ABOUT AUSTIN SHAKESPEARE: Audiences love exploring imaginative worlds with this company which features surprising and entertaining heightened-language productions at The Long Centers Rollins Studio Theatre, as well as Shakespeare in Zilker Park. The only professional classical theater company in Central Texas, Austin Shakespeare stages performances that are fresh, bold, imaginative, thought-provoking and eminently accessible connecting the truths of the past with the challenges and possibilities of today. In 2018, Austin Shakespeare was honored with a grant from the prestigious Bloomberg Philanthropies Arts Innovation and Management (AIM) program. During the Covid shutdown, Austin Shakespeare has pivoted to offer virtual performances as well as creative development programs. Austin Shakespeare is a proud member of the Austin Creative Alliance. ###