June 1st, 2014

I'm having entirely too much fun playing Thurio in Shakespeare on the Sound's amazing production of THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA

I couldn't have asked for a better group of humans (and one canine) with which to play and perform. The environment of fun that our director, Claire Shannon Kelly, crafted in rehearsals allowed each of us the creative freedom to soar.

Claire and I also share the same weird sense of humor, which goes a looong way towards helping me to open up as an actor and letting Thurio's freak flag fly onstage.

Hats off as well to Grier Coleman, our fantastic costumer, who has draped me in enough red to piss off every bull in Connecticut.

Here are some additional notes about the production from our director, Claire Shannon Kelly:

"The Two Gentlemen of Verona," of all Shakespeare's plays, is most like a fairytale. It incorporates adventure, romance and danger in a fun and madcap way. In our production, we want to bring this fantastic story to life. With our design team, my vision was to begin the play with a giant book (Shakespeare's first folio) and to have the characters leaping off the page. I always loved reading storybooks with wonderful illustrations. When reading a fairy tale the illustrated images on the page always drew me deeper into the story and I loved to imagine that I was right there with a Prince as he slew the fearsome dragon. In directing this production, I am hoping that you will feel like you are in the midst of Shakepeare's wonderful characters. We have loved imagining this silly comedy of love and romance set in our beautiful Pinkney Park.

Like a fairy tale, our production is set in the past, though not specific to any time period, a time long ago when chivalry still existed. The concept of the "gentlemen]an" is essential to the play and the qualities of nobleness, gentleness, taste, heroism, independence and honor resonate more in a time long ago. For the first time in many years we are using classical music from Mozart to Rachmaninoff. To enhance the comedy of the play and in a nod to Commedia Dell'Arte, which influenced Shakespeare, we are employing a broad acting style. We have so enjoyed finding the humor in this play, and we hope you do too! Sharing laughter is such a great way to bring our community together, so enjoy the gorgeous costumes, lovely music and exciting performances.

Join us for this wonderful, madcap, hilarious romp through a time-gone-by. Did I mention there is a dog? THERE IS A DOG. HE IS HELLA CUTE. Here's to an amazing run!