News Releases @ TCC

TCC PRESENTS 1950s VERSION OF THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA - BEACH BOYS STYLE - AT 9TH ANNUAL SHAKESPEARE IN THE GROVE

Left to right, Alec Mallmann as Valentine, with Sylvia, played by Mary Beyer; Julia played by Ashley Cavasos in the arms of Proteus, played by James Manno - in TCC's The Two Gentlemen of Verona.

CHESAPEAKE, Va. – (June 13, 2005) – Tidewater Community College puts a ’50s spin on Shakespeare’s classic The Two Gentlemen of Verona at the ninth annual Shakespeare in the Grove. The performance opens at TCC’s outdoor theatre on the Chesapeake Campus at 8 p.m. on June 29.

TCC’s production, staged in the late 1950s and early 1960s, is a classic romantic comedy and one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays dealing with the amorous adventures of two close friends, Proteus and Valentine, who leave their homes in Verona to become well-rounded gentlemen. Their journey includes romance, rivalry, betrayal and deceit. As in most romantic comedies, in the end, the good guys get the girls.

Director Edwin Jacob infuses the production with oldies music to support many of the universal themes of the play such as summer fun and freedom, a break from parental control, and the competition, irrationality and turbulence of youthful love. The setting includes classic cars from the era, hot dogs and Carvel ice cream.

Production dates are June 29, 30, July, 1, 2 and 3 at 8 p.m. at the Chesapeake Campus outdoor theatre, and July 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. at the TCC Jeanne and George Roper Performing Arts Center in Norfolk.

All performances are free so plan to bring the family for some rousing entertainment. For more information call 822-5219.

TCC’s theatre program also offers a Shakespeare Institute for a limited number of students interested in this genre of acting and theatre production on June 27-30 from 9 a.m. to noon each day at the Chesapeake Campus. Call Edwin Jacob at 822-5219 for more information.