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Enjoy comedy at free Shakespeare in the Park event July 16 at Island Park
Join the Midsummer Theatre Troupe for a night of comedy and culture for the first-ever Geneva performance of "Two Gentlemen of Verona!"
When a woman comes between two friends, does love or loyalty win out? Find out Saturday, July 16, at the annual Shakespeare in the Park event in Geneva’s Island Park. This free performance starts at 6 p.m.
The Midsummer Theatre troupe will perform “Two Gentlemen of Verona,” one of The Bard’s earliest comedies, that explores the bonds of enduring friendship vs. the fickle nature of love.
As the play opens, Valentine is off to Milan, leaving his dear friend Proteus back in Verona. While in Milan, Valentine falls in love with the Duke’s daughter Silvia. Back in Verona, Proteus searches for true love, pledging faithfulness to Julia.
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Proteus joins his friend in Milan and also falls in love with Silvia, wanting to win her over by speaking ill of his friend to the Duke, who banishes Valentine to the forest. Valentine joins a band of thieves, as Proteus passionately pursues Silvia. When Julia arrives in Milan, she disguises herself as a page and helps Proteus rescue Silvia from the forest where she has fled. In the end, the friends reunite and true love prevails.
This 90-minute family-friendly performance is designed to entertain children and adults alike. Double entendres, slapstick humor, physical gags and dynamic actors are sure to provide laughs for all ages.
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"This is one of the Fox Valley's can't-miss nights," said Kristen Duerdoth, Midsummer Theatre Troupe director. "We have a really talented cast and great Shakespeare material. We are excited to bring this free production of 'Two Gents’ to Geneva, and we think the audience will have a ball."
This is the first time the troupe has tackled "Two Gents." The play features a dog in almost every scene, and the performing pooch is Duerdoth's dog Klutch as Crabb the Dog.
Now in its 10th year, Shakespeare in the Park is presented by the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission. Admission is free ($5 suggested donation) and seating begins at 5 p.m. A pre-show performance by the State Street Dance Studio will begin at 6 p.m. followed by the play. The audience is encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic dinners to enjoy the Ravinia-style theater experience.
The Healing Process, a local acoustic duo will provide pre-show musical entertainment as visitors enter the park. Food will be available for purchase at the park. Stockholm's will sell sandwiches, chips and drinks while Graham's will be serving up ice cream. Patrons also can browse the Circa tent for Shakespeare-themed merchandise.
The Geneva Public Library District will host a Shakespeare-inspired interactive craft activity for elementary school-aged children at 5 p.m. in the library tent. Shannon Whitt, an Aurora-based set decorator, prop designer and illustrator will lead the free art activity. She illustrated the children's picture book, "The Bite Sized Bard: Shakespeare's Seasons." In addition, Geneva’s School of Art will offer a free painting activity for teens.
Island Park is located at the corner of State Street and Route 25 in Geneva. Free parking is available at the Kane County Government Center, 719 S. Batavia Ave., which is just a short walk across the covered bridge to the park.
For more information, visit www.genevarts.org or “like” Geneva Shakespeare in the Park on Facebook.
