Photo Flash: FSU/Asolo Conservatory Presents TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

 

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training presents Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare, November 2-21, 2010, at the Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts.

This high-voltage, dynamic romp centers on the friendship of two young men and the woman they love. But in the hands of the talented FSU/Asolo Conservatory team, it will be, in the words of Greg Leaming, director of the FSU/Asolo Conservatory, and also director of this production, a "wild ride that will be unlike any Shakespeare local audiences have ever experienced. This is Shakespeare's play about passionate young love. It's about a group of young people falling in love for the first time and suddenly discovering just what a dramatic and crazy experience that can be."

Leaming explains that he changed the setting of the production from Verona and Milan, where older notions of romantic love and passion hold sway, to a contemporary world that "looks more like the TV reality show, Jersey Shore, than anything anyone usually associates with Shakespeare. It's about loud, aggressive, over-educated kids who learn what it means to grow up. What better place to set the play than in the contemporary club scene?"
The Conservatory's version is "full of music, dancing and heartbreak," continues Leaming. "These are characters who dance too much, drink too much, fall in love too hard, and get caught up in their own drama. And who better to do this kind of wild rethinking of the play than our second-year students, all of whom are thrilled to get the chance to find themselves in this wild play?"

The production will showcase the talents of two very special canines. "After auditioning more than 40 local dogs at an event co-sponsored by Animal Rescue Coalition, we've selected two dogs, Roscoe and Cody, to alternate in the role of Crab the dog," says Leaming.

The FSU/Asolo Conservatory's 2010-2011 season continues with Reasons To Be Pretty by Neil La Butte Jan. 4-23, 2011; The Lady from the Sea by Henrik Ibsen Feb. 22-March 13, 2011; and Tartuffe by Moliere April 12-May 1, 2011.

Two Gentlemen of Verona runs November 2-21, 2010, at the Cook Theatre, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, in the FSU Center for the Performing Arts. Productions are Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $28 evenings; $26 matinees; $14 students. Student rush tickets are $5. Tickets can be purchased in advance at the Asolo Repertory Theatre box office at the FSU Center for Performing Arts; 941-351-8000. The 2010-2011 season subscriptions and single tickets are on sale now.

Pay What You Can Tuesdays Series: On November 2, 2010, audience members are invited to attend a production of Two Gentlemen of Verona and pay whatever they feel comfortable paying for their ticket. These special tickets are available on day of performance only.
 
About the Conservatory
The FSU/Asolo Conservatory for Actor Training is a celebrated three-year graduate program culminating in a master of fine arts degree. For more than 30 years, tens of thousands of actors from across the continent have auditioned for admission. A maximum of 12 students are admitted each year. In their second year, the students perform in the Cook Theatre, a 161-seat space designed to create an intimate experience for the audience and actors. Third-year students are seen on the Mertz Stage working with the Asolo Repertory Theatre's professional actors in exciting and significant roles. For more information, visit www.asolorep.org.

Photo Credit: Gary Sweetman

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