January 30, 2003
NASHVILLE, Tenn—Vanderbilt University Theatre opens "Two Gentlemen of Verona” a musical adaptation in Neely Auditorium on Valentine’s Day Feb. 14, with additional performances on Feb. 15, 20, 21, 22 at 8 p.m. and one matinee Feb. 16 at 2 p.m. This happy coming-of-age story celebrates spring and its promise of love with a satirical Shakespearean undercurrent of government’s sometimes less than pure motives for war.
With music by Galt MacDermot (Hair) and lyrics by playwright John Guare (The House of Blue Leaves), the adaptation of Shakespeare comedy won both the Tony Award and the New York Drama Circle Award for best musical of 1972.
Adapted by Mel Shapiro and Guare for Shakespeare in the Park, the work played to capacity crowds followed by a successful run on Broadway beginning in December 1971. In addition to awards for the musical itself, Shapiro was awarded an Obie for direction.
In the notes for the play on Broadway, Guare described the work as a gentle satire about narcissism and the selfishness of youth. "In this play," he explained, "the experience of leaving a smaller town for a bigger one is a metaphor for the ‘journey’ of growing up – learning to grow from loving yourself to loving others more."
Songs like “Love Has Driven me Sane” and "Love is That You?" make the theme crystal clear from beginning to end. Original cast member Frank O’Brien summed up the musical: "This is an important show because there is a message . . . in the world of this show, love conquers all. Everybody gets a happy ending, because there is love for everybody, at every level. And that’s the truth.”
The presentation is open to the public, but does contain some adult language. For reservations and ticket information call 322-2404 or e-mail: lisa.l.barksdale@vanderbilt.edu. General admission is $7. Tickets are free for Vanderbilt undergraduate students (with Vanderbilt ID) and $4 for Vanderbilt graduate students (with Vanderbilt ID). Neely Auditorium is located on campus between Sarratt Student Center and Kirkland Hall.
NOTE: The production of "Our Town" directed by Academy Award-winning director Delbert Mann originally scheduled for these dates will be rescheduled for the Fall 2003 season.
Media contact: David Glasgow, 615-322-NEWS, david.glasgow@vanderbilt.edu