Shakespeare in Clark Park's THE TWO GENTLEMAN OF VERONA to Run 7/27-31

Smitten lovers, Crab the Dog and swing dancers collide in this year's Shakespeare in Clark Park (SCP) production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. The classic romantic comedy is being brought to life by Kathryn MacMillan (Lantern Theater Company) and will once again showcase SCP's unique blend of classic storytelling and community engagement. The Two Gentlemen of Verona opens under the stars in "the Bowl" of Clark Park on July 27 and runs through July 31. All performances are at 7 p.m.

Cross-dressing, betrayals, outlaws and love abound in Shakespeare's tale of best friends Valentine and Proteus. Valentine wants to see the world. His best friend Proteus wants to stay in Verona with his love, Julia. But, when Proteus's father orders him to Milan, loyalties are tested in a whirlwind of missed connections, mistaken identities, and miscommunication.

For three years, SCP has practiced Radical Community Engagement bringing members of the community on-stage with professional actors. Last year, children helped tell The Winter's Tale and before that community members charged into Clark Park as a 100-person army in Henry IV. This year, SCP is partnering with community dance group Lindy and Blues (LaB) to bring a dance party to the Bowl.

"I am enthusiastic about Kittson's commitment to community engagement and making that a part of every production at SCP," says Director Kathryn MacMillan. "In the past few seasons the community has brought production elements that were epic, then multi-generational. This year we were looking for an initiative that underscores the effervescence, retro playfulness, and subversive gender politics of our production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Swing dance is a perfect match in every respect. And I'm excited by not only the expertise that LaB brings to our volunteer dancers, but also their devotion to engagement with the Philadelphia community."

In addition to Lindy and Blues, SCP is partnering with the Pennsylvania SPCA (PSPCA) for a special "Friendly Dog Night" on July 29. The PSCPA, along with Baltimore Pet Shoppe, is helping Crab the Dog find some four-legged friends. Activities for the night include an information station, treats for dogs and humans, and a "dog mask" decorating stop for kids.

Rounding out the creative team behind this year's production are Lance Kniskern (Scenic Design), Natalia de la Torre (Costume Design), Shannon Zura (Lighting Design), and John Kolbinski (Sound Design).

In addition to the dance troupe, MacMillan directs a company of professional actors led by the two gentlemen Jake Blouch (Proteus) and David Glover (Valentine). Their female counterparts are played by Claire Inie-Richards (Julia) and Maria Konstantinidis (Silvia). They are joined on-stage by Ezra Ali-Dow (Host/Outlaw), KO DelMarcelle (Speed), Trevor Fayle (Panthino/Eglamour), Lindsay Smiling (Duke/Antonio), Brock Vickers (Thurio) and Meghan Winch (Launce/Lucetta).

The Two Gentlemen of Verona runs July 27-31. All performances are free and are at 7 p.m. in "the Bowl" of Clark Park, located near the intersection of Chester Avenue and 43rd Street in West Philadelphia. The rain location is the Main Dining Hall at the University of the Sciences, 600 South 43rd Street. For more information, please visit shakespeareinclarkpark.org.