Two couples, two clowns and one scene-stealing dog – all play their part as love and loyalty collide in a laughter-fuelled romantic adventure
Date/Time: Jul 29 2017, 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Vancouver, Douglas Campbell TheatreCost: $21.00
Find tickets: here
Directed by Scott Bellis
Valentine and Proteus are best friends with an awkward problem – they’re both in love with Valentine’s girlfriend Sylvia. And it gets even trickier – Proteus already has a girlfriend of his own. Shakespeare’s early romantic comedy is a lively riff on friendship, love and loyalty with the bonus of two very funny clowns plus a dog that just might steal the show!
The Story
In Verona, best friends Valentine and Proteus exchange goodbyes. Valentine is off to visit the Duke’s court in Milan, while Proteus is staying behind to be near his love, Julia. However, across town, Julia admits she has mixed feelings about Proteus’ affections.
At Proteus’ home, his parents Antonio and Pantina insist it’s time he expand his horizons and go to join Valentine. Julia visits and is shocked that Proteus is leaving. The two declare their love and exchange rings. Proteus departs, followed by his servant, Launce, and Launce’s dog, Crab.
At the Duke’s palace in Milan, Valentine talks to Speed, his servant, about his love for Silvia, the Duke’s daughter. When he next sees her, Silvia publicly rejects his attentions but that night, she finds Valentine alone and reveals her true feelings for him.
Proteus reaches Milan and encounters Valentine and Silvia. In private, Valentine confides to Proteus that he and Silvia plan to elope, as her father wants her to marry Turio, a rich nobleman. Alone, Proteus confesses he also is smitten with Silvia. He has no idea that back in Verona, Julia has decided to follow him to Milan.
The next morning, Proteus resolves to pursue Silvia for himself and informs the Duke about Valentine’s plan to elope. The Duke intercepts Valentine on his way to Silvia’s room and, upon discovering a corded ladder intended for Silvia’s escape, banishes him. Valentine relays his fate to Proteus, who promises to look after Silvia. Meanwhile, Julia arrives in Milan, disguised as a page named Sebastian.
Valentine and Speed are enroute to Mantua when they are captured in the forest by outlaws. They are impressed by Valentine and make him their leader.
Proteus continues scheming to win Silvia. He joins Turio in serenading her by night and then promises to speak to her on Turio’s behalf. When Silvia appears at her window, Proteus instead woos her for himself, but she rejects his advances. Hidden in the shadows, Julia observes everything.
Later, Silvia persuades a family friend, Sir Eglamour, to help her escape the palace and find Valentine.
The next day, Proteus hires Sebastian (Julia) and has the page bring Silvia the ring that Julia had given to him. Silvia again spurns Proteus’ attentions.
Silvia and Sir Eglamour sneak away that night. The Duke, Turio, Proteus and Sebastian (Julia) set out to find them. Silvia is ambushed by the outlaws and rescued by Proteus. When she scorns his love yet again, he forces himself on her. Valentine, watching from the bushes, intervenes. Proteus expresses remorse and, in forgiveness, Valentine yields his love for Silvia to his friend. Julia hears their conversation and faints. When Proteus recognizes the ring on Julia’s finger, the page’s true identity is revealed.
The outlaws appear with their latest captives, the Duke and Turio, in tow. As everyone gathers, reconciliations and revelations about love and friendship clear the way for a new chapter in all of their lives.
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