Two Gentlemen of Verona: The Musical question

[LucilleAndLeoFrank]

Posted: 1/5/07 at 8:11pm

Hi. I'm an associate artistic director at a local theater company and I'm readying a production of the musical version of Two Gentlemen of Verona. I saw the production in the park two years ago, and am very familiar with the cast recording, but I have one question: does Valentine absolutely have to be black, or can that be a colorblind role? Thanks in advance.

[MargoChanning]

Posted: 1/5/07 at 8:19pm

I'm pretty sure that there's nothing in the text that requires the role be played by a black actor, so you should be fine casting the role (and much of the rest of the cast) colorblind.

[SDav 10495]

Posted: 1/5/07 at 8:32pm

I don't think any of the characters have to absolutely be any one race, Valentine included. Although the Latin and R&B elements in the music and libretto suggest Hispanic and black actors in the leads, it's really not essential. I think what the creators wanted more than anything was a sense of family and friendship throughout the cast.

It's true that the motivation behind the diverse original production was heavily influenced by racial issues, but I see that as just one interpretation of the material that was relevant to that time period. Mel Shapiro says in the OBC liner notes: "This was a time of the war in Vietnam and great racial divisiveness...The impulse behind the opportunity to do this show was to bring us together racially. We needed love, not more hatred of each other." It's that "love" he mentions that I think is the most important part of the show. If you've got that, it shouldn't matter what race anyone is.

I love this show--good luck and have fun with it!

[LucilleAndLeoFrank]

Posted: 1/5/07 at 8:40pm

Thanks very much, guys.

[Yankeefan007]

Posted: 1/5/07 at 8:49pm

It's a great, fun show. On a certain website, you can see certain things from the recent production in the park if you want a refresher.

[LucilleAndLeoFrank]

Posted: 1/5/07 at 8:54pm

Thanks, Yankee. Watching a certain clip, I'm astounded how much our Silvia resembles Renee Elise Goldsberry, both physically and vocally. Such a great production. Too bad it was never recorded.