Free Shakespeare in the Park has become synonymous with summer theater in
the U.S. with several notable troupes making classic theater more than
affordable for Angelinos, among them the justly renowned Independent
Shakespeare Company. Now Shakespeare (and free theater) lovers can add
the Classical Theatre Lab to the list, with its debut production of Two
Gentlemen of Verona now gracing Plumber and West Hollywood parks.  CTL is
no group of amateurs—nearly the entire cast is Equity, with extensive
Shakespeare resumes, and it shows.

Director Stuart W. Howard has staged a vibrant Two Gentlemen, and given
himself the scene stealing role of Sir Eglamore (who appears to have dropped
in from Spamalot) to the audience’s delight. Summer Sinclair and Annunziata
Gianzero acquit themselves well as Julia and Silvia (the gentlewomen who win
the two gentlemen’s hearts) but it is dashing Shakespeare vet Michael
Matthys as Valentine and dynamic discovery Brad Wilcox as Proteus (the
titular roles) who make the strongest impression.  Voluptuous Karin de la Penha
sings the role of “Love,” which Howard has added to the production, and
announces scene changes (helpful to the audience).

Other standouts include Julie Alexander, Serena Berné, Miles Wiltshire, and
especially Barry Saltzman, who proves himself a master of subtle physical
comedy as Turio, the richest gentleman of Milan. Costumes by Douglas Spesert
evoke the early Renaissance as does Barbara Rottman’s original score.  If you
love Shakespeare and hate shelling out a bundle for good theater, CTL’s
production of Two Gentlemen of Verona is for you.

West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vincente Blvd., West Hollywood CA 90069,
opposite the Pacific Design Center in the Robertson Courtyard
Saturdays and Sundays: August 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th at 5:00 PM
Reservations: 323-960-5691

--Steven Stanley
           July 28, 2007