July 31 - October 3

The Almost-Musical Hit of the Summer

You may have heard that there are no musicals at APT. And yet, this new adaptation of one of the Bard’s oldest plays walks up to that line and straps on a banjo. Not to worry, Shakespearean verse still rings from every stanza, as our titular duo crashes down that path toward adulthood, propelled by the rash decisions of youthful love. Throw in two formidable ladies, a live jug band and one uncanny dog, and you’ve got the makings of a poetic and feel-good summer event. Enjoy it in harmony with a star-dappled evening.

A note: This new adaptation was created by acclaimed playwright Aaron Posner and Urinetown’s Greg Kotis, giving it a heart-filling, Americana kick. Prepare to be entertained.

Synopsis

Award-winning playwright Aaron Posner breathes new life into one of Shakespeare’s earliest comedies. Proteus and Valentine are childhood friends, but the time has come for them to set out to explore their future prospects. Proteus follows his heart toward Julia, while Valentine follows his to Milan to seek his fortunes. But when Proteus is forced by his father to follow Valentine to Milan, they both quickly fall in love with Silvia. Promises will be broken and relationships tested, but with a little help from the ladies, a couple clowns, a charming dog and a group of outlaws, most may yet be put to rights. A lively coming-of-age story last seen at APT over a decade ago.

ASL Interpreted Performance: Friday, September 18 at 10:30 am
Interpreters: Crom Saunders, Leigh Whisenant, Havalah Teaman

Hello Friends. Thanks so much for being here.

While Two Gents is likely Shakespeare’s first comedy, it’s certainly not the most produced, or, TBH (that is “To Be Honest” for non-gen Z’ers...), his best. It has a variety of flaws and issues to be addressed—and we have done our very best to address them! But while flawed, it’s also one of my very favorites. It has the brash and bold energy of youth. It’s a little erratic. It’s raw, direct and wears itsheart on its sleeve. It is only conjecture, of course, but I believe I can feel the young Shakespeare actively grappling with the “overwhelming light” (as we call it in one of our songs) of love throughout this play.

The four lovers in this play feel young—emotionally, experientially, even spiritually. Working on the play I’ve often been reminded of—and inspired by— the palpable vivacity of my teenage daughter when she talks to me about love. It’s brand new. It’s powerful. Just thinking or talking about love makes her radiate enthusiasm, energy and a delightful kind of... hopeful, unsullied giddiness.

Of course, those kinds of big new feelings can lead one in all kinds of difficult directions—and in this play, they do! Some noble, some ignoble. Some kind, some clueless. But all of them reflect the complicated reality of being crazy in love for the first time. We’re flawed humans. Love can make us act in the very best and worst possible ways. I believe it’s worth remembering these days just
how fickle and fallible we mortals can be, and how necessary empathy and radical forgiveness are in this difficult world.

Oh... and of course the play is super goofy and playful, too. While it goes quite deep about love, it’s built primarily as a delightful entertainment and rollicking good time. Shakespeare knew—even as an upstart playwright— that getting us to laugh opens hearts and minds. Hence the clowns. And the songs.

And, of course, the dog...

I want to thank Greg Kotis for joining me on this fun, odd undertaking, and, as always, I am deeply grateful to the whole APT team and extended family (including all of you!) that allow me to come to this magical place to play, learn and grow in the woods.

Finally, I’d like to dedicate this production to my inspirational and delightful daughter, Maisie Ann Posner, who not only helped me think deeply about the play...but helped with some of the lyrics, too!

Thanks for coming. Please enjoy the show!

- Aaron Posner, Director of The Two "Gentlemen" of Verona