Proteus and Valentine, the title characters in William Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona," and in the Galt McDermot (music)-John Guare (book and lyrics) musical adaptation, are more rounders than square shooters as they talk about wedding while aiming at bedding someone of the opposite sex. The play isn't great Shakespeare, nor is it great McDermot-Guare, but it's bright and breezy in its current production by New Line Theatre at the Washington U. South Campus Theatre (once CBC High School). It opened last night and will run delightfully through March 26.
The 1971 version, which won a Tony for Best Musical, featured Raul Julia and Clifton Davis as Proteus and Valentine, respectively. McDermot was trying to compose another "Hair," and listening to the score makes it rather obvious. Thom Crain's costumes also show the legacy. Interestingly, "Two Gentlemen" opened while "Hair" still was running on Broadway. It played the Muny during the 1973 season.
Scott Miller's direction is solid, and Robin Michelle Berger did some charming choreography, well-handled by the cast. The acting also is strong, with some of Miller's regulars like Zachary Allen Farmer and Joel Hackbarth as Proteus and Launce, respectively. Farmer is one of the "heroes," with Eeyan Richardson a real vocal standout as his buddy, Valentine. Hackbarth, impressive as the lead comedian, shows splendid timing, especially in a duet with a dog. Valentine's sidekick, Speed, is an excellent performance by Mike Dowdy. He and Hackbarth make a splendidly foolish pair. Their opening moments, as they strew rose petals here and there, sets the mood for the evening.
Taylor Pietz and Jeanitta Perkins are Silvia and Julia, respectively, wooed by Farmer and Richardson. Both are fine singers, and Pietz, with fish-net hose and swirling legs, is a charmer. There's also first-rate work from Tom Conway as the Duke of Milan, Aaron Allen as his wanna-be son-in-law, Terrie Carolan as Lucetta and Michael Jones as Eglamour. Carolan and Perkins are a delight in drag. As in "Hair," there's a strong anti-war tone, with the Duke sending those who disagree with him to Vietnam, though he denies it in "Bring All the Boys Back Home." Guare also inserts a discussion of abortion as Lucetta, Speed, Launce and Julia sing "Don't Have the Baby." Speed and Launce also do a funny, charming rendition of "Hot Lover."
A little dated, perhaps, but a highly enjoyable evening.
Two Gentlemen of Verona, by the New Line Theatre, runs through March 26 at the Washington University South Campus Theatre.
—Joe