The Two Gentlemen of Verona

June 13 to September 19 • BMO MAINSTAGE

OH, YEAH! It’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona—with a twist! This nostalgic visit to the ‘80s features a soundtrack of that candy-coloured decade, from unforgettable dance hits to tear-jerking ballads, as it celebrates friendship and the foolhardy ways young love makes us behave. Sent to court to learn to be “perfect gentlemen,” Valentine and Proteus are derailed by their attraction to Silvia, the ruler’s daughter. Adding to the fun, the role of Crab will be played by an actual dog, the only dog role in the Shakespearean canon.

Directed by Dean Paul Gibson.

Season and production run dates subject to change.

Production run time: TBA

Audience Advisories: TBA

Production Sponsor:

Photo Credit: Jacob Leonard as Proteus & Matthew Ip Shaw as Valentine
Photo & Image Design: Emily Cooper

The Story

“ALL HAPPINESS BECHANCE TO THEE”
Amid the splendour and decadence of 1980s Milan, “a deep story of deeper love” unfolds.

Young friends Proteus and Valentine bid each other farewell as Valentine prepares to set off to the bright and brilliant city of Milan. Though Valentine wishes his friend were coming with him on this new adventure, Proteus has decided to stay in their hometown of Verona to be with his love, Julia.

These best-laid plans are foiled when Proteus’ parents, Antonio and Pantina, decide that it is in their wayward son’s best interest to follow in Valentine’s footsteps and serve in the Duke of Milan’s court. Proteus and Julia say goodbye to each other tearfully before Proteus reluctantly leaves Verona with his servant Launce (and Launce’s dog, Crab) in tow.

Meanwhile, in Milan, Valentine has fallen in love with Silvia, the daughter of the Duke of Milan. However, the arrogant Turio is also vying for Silvia’s heart. Eventually, after some nudging from his page Speed, Valentine realizes that Silvia feels the same way about him. The two share a quiet moment together, only to be interrupted by news of Proteus’ arrival.

Proteus and Valentine have a joyous reunion, and Valentine, who once scorned the idea of love, now eagerly tells Proteus about his plans to run away with Silvia and get married. However, Proteus is also immediately smitten by Silvia—and he’ll stop at nothing to win over her heart.

“THIS THREEFOLD PERJURY”
Back in Verona, a heartbroken Julia is determined to see her beloved Proteus again. With the help of her servant Lucetta, Julia comes up with a plan to disguise herself as a man and follow Proteus to Milan.

At the same time, Proteus breaks Valentine’s trust—and his vow to Julia—by going to the Duke of Milan and informing him of Valentine’s intention of eloping with Silvia. Enraged, the Duke confronts Valentine and banishes him from Milan.

With Julia now rapidly approaching Milan—and Proteus shamelessly wooing Silvia in Valentine’s absence—will these two couples find their way back to each other, or will these two foolhardy gentlemen of Verona prove as inconstant as “the uncertain glory of an April day”?