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ESU Summer Theatre Presents 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona' by William Shakespeare

Production Marks 70 Years of ESU Summer Theatre

Emporia, KS (06/17/2024) — Emporia State University Theatre celebrates 70 years of Summer Theatre with the performance of "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" by William Shakespeare. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Summer Theatre Program at ESU. Performances are scheduled for June 27 through 29 at 7:30 p.m. and June 30 at 2 p.m. in the Ronald Q. Frederickson Black Box Theatre, in Roosevelt Hall.

"Two Gentlemen of Verona" revolves around themes of love and friendship. It is one of Shakespeare's earliest and least produced comedies. Shakespeare pulls many aspects from this play for his later plays, especially "Romeo and Juliet" and "Twelfth Night." Its leading characters are young people in love and their dealings with their parents, their servants, outsiders and one another. There is also a dog!

"As one of the longest continuously running summer stock programs in the Midwest, it is our honor to present Shakespeare's 'Two Gentlemen of Verona' to you," said ESU Director of Theatre, Aubrey J. Wilson. "As I watch from the wings this year, I see unlimited possibility. Not only do I see talent, but I see young professionals who work extremely hard. In this industry, there is no other skill that will serve an artist as well as a robust work ethic. These young people are training each day to become a driving force in their future theatrical communities - and they're having fun doing it."

To mark the 70th anniversary, attendees will have the unique opportunity to see photos and memorabilia spanning the history of Summer Theatre at ESU.

Visit emporia.edu/tickets for reservations and additional information or email dturneyj@emporia.edu with any questions. The show runs approximately two hours with a 10-minute intermission. Tickets will also be available at the Ronald Q. Frederickson Box Office one hour before the show.

The cast consists of Alex Knudsen (Wichita State University) as Valentine, Colin Newland (Emporia State University) as Protheus, Lewis Trotter (Emporia State University) as Speed, Chris Lohkamp as Launce, Rocky Lohkamp as Crab, Chrissy Noble-Speedie (Nazareth University) as Duke of Milan, Hannah Johnson (Emporia State University) as Silvia, Christine Pascoe as Julia, Rachel Shaffer (Emporia State University) as Lucetta/Hostess/Outlaw 2, Austin Michaelis (Emporia State University) as Antonio/Thurio and Brent Thomas as Panthino/Sir Eglamour/Outlaw 1.

The production team includes Director Dennis Turney Jr., Production Stage Manager Lexie Vega (Iola), Assistant Stage Manager Chloe Eubanks (Emporia), Costume/Lighting Designer Nic Wilson, Scenic Designer/Technical Director Chris Lohkamp and Costume Shop Supervisor Matt Dempsey.

Members of the Scene Shop Staff are Maya Lee (Wichita), Jarret Davis (Rossville), Aspen Walker (Goddard) and Danielle McClellan (Americus). The Costume Shop Staff consists of Elizabeth Clapp (Independence), Ariam Mersera (Emporia), Jyck Green (Lenexa) and JoyAnne Boutz (Topeka).

About Emporia State Theatre

Emporia State University has one of the oldest and strongest theatre programs in the country, with well over 1,000 graduates. Many are working across the country in professional and academic theatre. At ESU, students can earn a BFA or BA in theatre or gain certification to become a secondary teacher in the BSE program in speech and theatre. We are proud to be a part of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. ESU Theatre is an active participant of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.

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