University Theatre May 5, 1998 Contact Karen Scheeland (541) 346-4190 or John R. Crosiar 346-3135 EUGENE--A romantic but futuristic production of "Two Gentlemen of Verona," William Shakespeare's commedia dell'arte-inspired comedy, will wrap-up University Theatre's 1997-98 Robinson Theatre season when it opens Friday, May 22, at the University of Oregon. Additional performances are scheduled May 23 at the conclusion of the first Campus Arts Faire, as well as on May 28-30; and June 5-6. All performances will begin at 8 p.m. in Robinson Theatre at Villard Hall, 1109 Old Campus Lane on the UO campus. Two school matinee performances are set at 10:15 a.m. on May 27 and June 4. One of Shakespeare's early plays, "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is the story of the twists and turns taken by the loves and loyalties of two young men as they set out to seek their fortunes. The UO production will feature sets and costumes created from reflective, shimmering materials such as vinyl, satin, sequins, aluminum and mirrors. "`Two Gentlemen of Verona' is a young play," says its director Robert Barton, a UO theater arts professor. "Shakespeare was a young playwright trying out what later became his classic devices, such as the disguised heroine, for the first time. The characters are young and deal with all the joys and frustrations of youth, so it's perfect for our pool of young, energetic actors. "This play will appeal to everyone," Barton adds. "It is a great introduction to Shakespeare because the relationships and humor are so clear. There is nothing intimidating about it. The characters are very recognizable and human." "Two Gentlemen of Verona" features sets by Rebecca Utz, a theater arts master of fine arts degree candidate of Eugene, and costumes by Shannon Foord, a senior theater arts major of North Bend; Rabiah Troncelliti, a junior Romance languages and theater arts major of Tigard; and Dagua Webb, a junior art history major of Eugene. Lighting is by Alan McEwen, a theater arts master of fine arts degree candidate of Bellingham, Wash. Janet Rose, a theater arts senior instructor, is the technical director. The production also includes original music by theater arts master's degree candidates Jonathan Cole and Melanie Moseley, both of Eugene; sound design by Mark Hayes, a senior theater arts major of Portland; props design by Chris Wooten, a theater arts master's degree candidate of Corvallis; and dramaturgy by Joel Harmon, a theater arts master's degree candidate of Gresham. Ceridwyn Gipson, a senior theater arts major of Eugene, is stage manager, and Jonathan Cole, a theater arts master's degree candidate of Eugene, is the assistant director. The cast features UO students Elisa Morrison, a senior theater arts major of Corvallis, as Sylvia; John Sanders, a senior theater arts major of Granite Bay, Calif., as Proteus; and Rob Stockton, a junior theater arts major of Klamath Falls, as Valentine. Megan Smith, a senior music major of Davis, Calif., and Carrie Gardner, a senior theater arts major of West Linn, will alternate in the role of Julia. The clown-like servants Launce and Speed will be played by Matt Berliner, a senior theater arts major of Las Vegas, Nev., and Mocean Chandler Melvin, a senior theater arts major of Santa Rosa, Calif. "Two Gentlemen of Verona" features a supporting ensemble of Daniel Dismuke, a sophomore undeclared major of Ashland; Carrie Gardner, a senior theater arts major of West Linn; Jacob A.M. Hutchison, a junior theater arts major of Portland; Micah Sunshower Klatt, a senior theater arts and psychology major of West Linn; Steven Rakestraw, a senior theater arts major of Eugene; Megan Smith, a senior music major of Davis, Calif., and Holly Thomas, a senior theater arts major of Eagle River, Alaska. Canine thespian Chipper J. Rose will have his acting debut playing Crab. The Robinson Theatre is fully accessible for wheelchairs and also has a hearing assistance system for patrons. Free parking is available nearby in the lot at East 11th Avenue and Kincaid Street. Ticket prices for "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" are $9 for the general public; $7 for UO faculty and staff, senior citizens and non-UO students; and $4.50 for UO students. For tickets and more information, visit the University Theatre box office in the Robinson Theatre, or call (541) 346-4191. Box office hours are noon-6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and noon- 8:15 p.m. on performance days. Tickets also are available through the EMU ticket office at 346-4363. A taped message about University Theatre productions and activities is available 24 hours a day by calling GuardLine from a Touch-Tone phone at 485-2000, ext. 2287, or visit University Theatre's Internet website at http://darkwing.uoregon.edu/~theatre/ . -30- #P-2217/A&E