Photo credit: Tom McGrath, TCMcG Photography
Two Gentlemen of Verona
by William Shakespeare
Midsommer Flight
July 7 – August 26, 2018
Performed outdoors at Lincoln Park, Touhy Park, Gross Park, and Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens
Reviews
“Midsommer Flight delivers an interlude of fun with its production of Two Gentlemen of Verona…”
RECOMMENDED
Irene Hsiao, Chicago Reader, 07.13.2018
“Even with best efforts often made to contextualize and contemporize Shakespeare’s plays, many productions fall short, failing to address acts of misogyny and abuse inherent in the text. With a threatened rape and objectification of women, TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA is arguably one of the most problematic of the canon – which only makes Midsommer Flight’s production all the more impressive. Wolf has changed neither era or the interactive Shakespearean style, nor pretended the acts of oppression and violence just don’t exist. Instead, she has changed the focus of the story from the violent actions of men to the women’s strength in standing against them. With LaKecia Harris as the wounded yet self-sustaining Julia, and Amy Malcom as the intelligent woman of integrity, Sylvia, they make each other stronger, standing together against Proteus’ falsehoods and assassinations. In sync with Wolf’s deft touch, the cast and crew have made this play a message of hope for women, rather than one of damnation by men’s behavior.”
CRITIC’S PICK
Bec Willett, Performink, 07.20.2018
“Ably directed by Producing Artistic Director Beth Wolf… it is the mission of Midsommer Flight to make it accessible to all, and this they have done with their fine command of diction, physical artistry, intriguing music and authentic costumes. A better bargain in live theater in natural surroundings cannot be found this summer.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Debra Davy, Splash Magazine, 07.30.2018
“Beth Wolf’s deft staging can hold its own against the summertime distractions of a big-city playground. With youthful ardor it delivers Shakespeare’s tomfoolery with enough drive and determination to compete with your garden-variety urban recreation.”
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Lawrence Bommer, Stage and Cinema, 07.09.2018
Cast and Crew
Cast: Chad Bay (Proteus), Richard Eisloeffel (Speed), David Goodloe (Valentine), LaKecia Harris (Julia), Amy Malcom (Sylvia), Stephanie Mattos (Launce), Robin Minkens (Host/Outlaw), Jack Morsovillo (Thurio), James Sparling (Antonio/Duke), Shanna Sweeney (Lucetta/Outlaw), and Nick Villalon (Pantino/Outlaw)
Production Staff: Beth Wolf (Director), Hazel Marie (Stage Manager), Paul Cook (Assistant Director), Jeremiah Barr (Scenic Design), Rachel Sypniewski (Costume Design), Chris Smith and Maureen Yasko (Fight Directors), Elizabeth Rentfro (Composer/Music Designer), Annelise Dickinson (Vocal Coach), and Meredith Ernst (Text Coach)
Beth Wolf 