The Enjoyable Comic Misadventures of CAST's "Two Gentlemen of Verona"

To be in love, where scorn is bought with groans.

Cape Ann Shakespeare Troupe (CAST) brings William Shakespeare’s “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” to the stage. Valentine and Proteus find their friendship at a crossroads when both pursue the same woman, Sylvia. Disguises, betrayal, and comic misadventures unfold.

I read “Two Gentlemen of Verona” in school, but clearly it did not have an impact on me. I watched CAST’s production, and it gave me a better understanding of this story. I was mesmerized by everyone’s energy and in-depth interpretation. This is why we need to keep performing visual presentations of Shakespeare’s work.

CAST’s talented team of actors created compelling performances and conquered the famous Shakespearean language. Shakespeare’s characters have always appealed to me. There is much more to the characters between the lines than one thinks.

The story begins with Valentine (Ashley Skeffington) and Speed (Alexis Armstrong). Skeffington gives Valentine an earnest nature and anchors the story. Acquainted with the name, anytime Speed is onstage, Armstrong breezes by on a skateboard.

In enters Proteus, played with excellent interpretation by Olivia Gale. Proteus makes some selfish decisions that are up for debate. That’s what makes him so interesting. Gale does a great job of interpreting what Proteus truly wants.

What’s something I love from Shakespeare’s works? Female power. Female characters are vital in Shakespeare’s work, and they were ahead of their time. Ariana Galen Ortmann (Julia), Mikayla Bishop (Sylvia), and Ryan Natcharian (Lucetta) excelled in their roles. Each actress delivers commanding performances and strong vocal work.

Ian Owens (Launce) treats the audience to humorous monologues. Kevin Lee is hilarious, acting as Crab, Launce’s dog, and wearing a dog mask. Lee also plays a second character, Eglamour, who wears an oversized motorcycle helmet. His delivery of muffled dialogue made audiences laugh. He’s not the only one to wear an animal mask, with Carl Schulz (Rod) sporting a bird look.

Audiences were in stitches whenever Andrew Bove (Thurio) was onstage. Bove is a comedy wizard. He turns the scenes into something more, even rapping at one point. I almost fell out of my chair when Bove backstroked as his exit offstage.

Authoritative figures, like Antonio (Gerard Roy), Panthio (Djessy Kungu), and the Duke of Milan (Stuart Siegel), do what they feel is right to help the situation, but steer things in the wrong direction with their accusations.

What is the moral of “Two Gentlemen of Verona?” Love is a central theme. Love can be unpredictable and cause drama in friend circles. In some ways, this play reminded me of “Romeo & Juliet.” It’s important to be honest with ourselves and others before accusations ruin relationships.

Director Billy Lewand has an eye for Shakespeare. He discovered a newfound appreciation of this show and its characters. He worked hard with the cast to help them understand the complex language. He adds more between the lines in his staging.

Theater gives us the power to do what we want. And with that opportunity, Lewand set the play in the early 2000s, referencing TV shows and music from that period.

This year, CAST is performing its show at the American Legion Post 3 in Gloucester. While the stage has minimal sets, the cast brings audiences into the world. I liked the water fountains used in each act. CAST has remarked how generous the venue, local contractors, and Justin Genna have been for the use of the stage, scaffolding equipment, and lighting.

CAST’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona” runs through Nov. 22. It’s a show not to miss, and a great way to be introduced to Shakespeare’s work. Tickets are available at the door and online: https://www.post3.org/event-list