Theater review: 'Two Gentlemen' good enough at Menlo Park Shakespeare festival Theater review: 'Two Gentlemen' good enough at Menlo Park Shakespeare festival (June 15, 2005)

By Bryan Wiggin

Almanac Theater Critic

"The Two Gentlemen of Verona" is one of Shakespeare's earliest plays. It's a romantic comedy with a very complicated plot.

Director Bruce W. De Les Dernier has chosen to set the story in 1946, in post-war Italy. Thus, the Two Gentlemen are not members of the Veronese nobility, but are captains in the U.S. Army.

The play is being staged in Menlo Park as part of Menlo Players Guild's Mid-Peninsula Shakespeare Festival.

Capt. Valentine (William J. Brown III) is ordered to Milan -- which everyone pronounces "Millin" -- which, in this conceit, is a Mafia fiefdom lorded over by "The Don," made blustery with some Italian inflection by James Asea.

Capt. Proteus (Jeff Brown) is ordered by his father (Mark W. Jordan) to follow. But Proteus is secretly betrothed to Julia (Rachel Bakker), and the two exchange rings before his parting.

Once in Milan, Valentine falls in love with Silvia (the beautiful and dignified Katie Anderson), daughter of The Don. Unfortunately, so does Proteus, so they decide to rescue her from her enforced betrothal to the rich but stupid Don Thurio. But Proteus betrays Valentine to The Don, who banishes him. Then, pretending to help the hapless Thurio, Proteus woos Silvia for himself.

Julia arrives in Milan, so well-disguised as a page that Proteus doesn't hesitate to have her deliver to Silvia the ring that she had given to him.

Valentine is captured by some outlaws, who make him their leader. When he catches Proteus trying to force his attentions on Silvia, he threatens to shoot him. But he forgives him; the penitent Proteus reunites with Julia; and The Don forgives the outlaws.

A lot happens, as always in Shakespeare. This production, unfortunately, doesn't do as much as it might to clarify all those Shakespearean complications.

Actors can help us deal with the many archaic and obsolete words in Shakespeare by interpreting them for us. They do this with vocal inflection, facial expression, and bodily gesture. Not enough of this is done here, which means the play isn't as fully acted -- as fully interpreted -- as it could be.

The best and most expressive performance comes from Jann Fratis as Speed, a servant -- or, in this setting, an Army private. She uses her face and gestures expressively. Also, she speaks with an appropriate rapidity but with unfailing clarity of articulation. This is a well-prepared performance.

Rachel Bakker, as Julia, and Nika Ericson, as her servant, Lucetta, also enrich the text with expressive speech and movement. Ms. Ericson, especially, employs her comely face with communicative mobility.

Brennan Holness gives some comic animation to Don Thurio, and Josh Parees is a froth of energy as Launce.

Shaw said that in Shakespeare, nothing should be as startling as a silence. There are too many silences, too many gaps, in this production, and some of the horseplay goes on too long. Director De Les Dernier usually keeps a tighter hand on the reins.

Still, Shakespeare's theatrical vitality always comes across. So take lots of warm clothes and enjoy the show.
INFORMATION

"The Two Gentlemen of Verona," by William Shakespeare, will be performed by the Mid-Peninsula Shakespeare Festival at Mid-Peninsula High School, 1340 Willow Road in Menlo Park, at 8 p.m. June 17 and 26. The outdoor performances are free; wear warm clothing or bring a blanket. For information, call 322-3261.

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