William Shakespeare’s  The Two Gentlemen of Verona

directed by PJ Paparelli
Jan 17 2012—Mar 04 2012

Lansburgh Theatre

Valentine and Proteus, two gentlemen of Verona, are close friends. Valentine, seeking to be “tutor’d in the world,” goes with his servant Speed to Milan. Proteus, who is in love with Julia (as she is with him), is also ordered by his father to leave for Milan with his servant Launce and Launce’s dog, Crab. As soon as Proteus and Julia part, she disguises herself as a boy and hurries after him. In Milan, Valentine falls in love with the Duke’s daughter, Silvia. When Proteus arrives they tell him that because the Duke prefers the wealthier Turio, they plan to elope.

Proteus himself becomes infatuated with Silvia and, in an ungentlemanly fashion, informs the Duke of the elopement. The Duke finds a rope ladder under Valentine’s cloak and banishes him from Milan where Valentine then becomes the leader of a highly selective band of outlaws. Julia, still disguised as a boy, hears Turio’s musicians serenading Silvia. Proteus, too, is listening and after Turio has gone, he proclaims his love, which Silvia scorns. Julia, recognizing his voice as he attempts to woo Silvia, remains steadfast in her love for him. Proteus takes the disguised Julia (“Sebastian”) as his page and sends her as his messenger to Silvia, who continues to reject him for the absent Valentine, whom she decides to follow into banishment.

The Duke pursues his escaping daughter and is captured by the outlaws. While Silvia is rescued by Proteus, who attempts to force his love upon her, the watching Valentine attacks his friend for his treachery, then becomes very magnanimous by giving Silvia to him. Julia/Sebastian, swooning, reveals herself; the outlaws bring in the Duke who pardons them. Julia and Proteus are reunited as are Valentine and Silvia. Both couples are set to wed.