NEWPORT, R.I. – With a Latin pop-rock score from the composer of “Hair,” lyrics by the author of “Six Degrees of Separation” and a plot by the guy who brought us “Hamlet,” Salve Regina’s Department of Performing Arts will close out its season with a bang when it presents “Two Gentlemen of Verona: the Musical” April 15-17.
Performances will be given at the historic Casino Theatre, 9 Freebody St., at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, April 15-16, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17.
Tickets - $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors (age 65 and older) and $7 for students- can be purchased at www.tinyurl.com/SalveCasino or by calling Toll-free (866) 811-4111. More information can be found by visiting the Salve Regina University website at www.salve.edu/academics/departments/per.
Based on the book by John Guare and Mel Shapiro, “Two Gentlemen of Verona” is a romantic comedy that explores issues of race and gender roles. >This production will feature a funky, rhythmic, “70s style” musical that will leave audiences humming and snapping their fingers.
Directed by Salve Regina alumni and New York City actor Bobby Matteau, this musical version of follows the story of lifelong friends Proteus (Jonathan Olivera of Providence) and Valentine (Owen Murphy of Marion, Mass.) who leave their rural hometown of Verona to experience life in urban Milan.
Valentine falls in love with Sylvia, (Jacqueline Lawler of Exeter) whose father has arranged a marriage for her against her will. Disregarding his loyalty to Valentine and Julia (Morgan Grambo of Goshen, Conn.) the girl he left behind in Verona, Proteus also sets his eyes on Sylvia. When Julia disguises herself as a man to follow Proteus, even more complications ensue.
A special preview performance will be presented on Thursday, April 14 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for the general public and will only be sold at the Box Office on the night of the performance.