That’s right. The free, fun and fast performance of “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” by William Shakespeare will be in the IH Park, 4523 Canada Rd., at 6 p.m. Sept. 28 as part of the Shakespeare Shout-Out Series.
The performance, one of 11 in Shelby County, is sponsored by the Tennessee Shakespeare Co. and the Lakeland Parks and Recreation Department.
Carmen Mandley, education manager for Tennessee Shakespeare Co., said, “It’s free, fun, fast and for everyone! Last season’s inaugural Shout-Out Series returns by popular demand with 11 performances at 10 outdoor/indoor locations throughout Shelby County. Ideal for families and picnics, this quick-fire version of Two Gents provides a rare opportunity to laugh at Shakespeare’s first comedy – and perhaps even his very first play.”
Ms. Mandley added, “He takes a well-known comedy of a love triangle and re-shapes it into a love rectangle, introduces strong female characters (one of whom takes on Shakespeare’s first “pants role” before the more famous Viola and Rosalind do), creates wise-cracking servants Speed and Launce, and even adds bandits to the mix. But for all that, the play remains famous for one particular role: Crab the dog. Even as the story ranges from the shocking to the hilarious, Crab sits non-plussed.”
No tickets or reservations needed. Patrons are encouraged to come early for available seating. Running time is 75 minutes.
Link to website: https://tnshakespeare.org/
Kevin Rooney, Parks and Recreation director for Lakeland, said it’s possible the City Drama Kids group might do a quick show before the event. Details will be shared when available.
