TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA Director Speaks

In anticipation of Texas Shakespeare Festival’s 25th season I sat down and interviewed Mr. Gregg Brevoort, director of this season’s production of Two Gentlemen of Verona.

Mr. Brevoort travels the country as a freelance director, going where ever he gets a call. He lives in Los Angeles, California with his adorable pet dog, Sparky, who is also joining us this season. Even though there is a dog in Two Gentlemen of Verona Sparky will not be playing the role. Sparky did not seem upset about this, claiming that while he is an avid theatre goer he prefers not to be on stage.

Mr. Brevoort began his training at New York University as an actor, but as he progressed in his training he decided to switch to the newly developed directing emphasis. As most good theatre professionals will admit, being well rounded is the secret to success in the theatre; Mr. Brevoort is no different, he has acted, stage managed, as well as held other administrative duties. (For more information please see his website http://www.gbrevoort.com/)

When asked what he would most like to direct he simply stated: “Shakespeare...it’s like a puzzle.” Mr. Brevoort loves the challenge of directing Shakespeare: “the histories, the tragedies, the more complicated ones.” Where most are scared of, or can not even comprehend Shakespeare, he thrives on it. This is not Mr. Brevoort’s first stint into Shakespeare, as he directed Coriolanus here at the Texas Shakespeare Festival in 2006.

Coriolanus, as you may not have noticed from seeing the production in 2006 is one of Shakespeare’s most difficult tragedies. This is completely opposite from the comedy he is directing this season. Two Gentlemen of Verona is a much different piece and our version is set about two-thousand years later, in the 1930’s. Two Gentlemen of Verona is a charming tale of two friends who fall in love with the same girl. To enhance the themes of young love and to provide another level of entertainment to the audience this production will feature a three-piece combo and chanteuse, a female singer who sings in night clubs. This is a revival of Tom Whitaker’s 1999 production, in which he did the same thing. The music is sure to please and will provide a fresh take on Shakespeare’s timeless tale.