WWU production 'Two Gentlemen of Verona,' set in Old West, begins Thursday, April 22

Western Washington University’s Department of Theatre Arts will present “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” directed by WWU Theatre professor Maureen O’Reilly, from April 22 to 25 and April 28 to May 2 in the Old Main Theater on campus.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” is one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays. While the original play takes place in Verona and Milan, the setting of this production is in the American West, where the values of a pioneering spirit and rugged individualism parallel those in the original play. The locales have been updated to include Verona, now set in Oklahoma, and Milan, now set in New Mexico, to support the Old West concept; and the cast of characters features cowboys, cattle ranchers, cowgirls and bar girls.

This array of characters is involved in a thought-provoking plot in which many of them make huge mistakes about love and friendship, but learn from these mistakes on the way to a happy ending.

“There is vitality, energy, humor and a complex plot line exploring all forms of relationships and love,” said O’Reilly.

Among the actors in the play is Stella, an Australian shepherd owned by Jessie Phillips, Western's box office manager.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” will show at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, April 22 to 24; and Wednesday through Saturday, April 28 to May 1; as well as at 2 p.m. on Sunday, April 25, and Sunday, May 2. All performances will be held in Western’s Old Main Theater.

Tickets are available through the WWU Box Office and cost $12 for general admission; $10 for seniors, WWU faculty and staff; and $9 for students.

WWU Box Office hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and one hour prior to the performance. For individual tickets or disability accommodations, contact the WWU Box Office at (360) 650-6146 or visit http://www.tickets.wwu.edu.

For more information, please call the WWU Theatre Department at (360) 650-3876 or visit http://www.wwu.edu/theatre.