Two Gentlemen of Verona

Book by John Guare and Mel Shapiro
Lyrics by John Guare
Music by Galt MacDermot

Drama Desk Outstanding Music Award Winner - Two Gentlemen of Verona - Galt MacDermot
New York Drama Critics' Circle - Best Musical Winner - Two Gentlemen of Verona
Tony Award - Best Original Score - Nominee - Two Gentlemen of Verona

"Two Gentlemen of Verona is a valentine to the joys of love" - Neil Shurley, Allmusic

"It all makes New Line Theatre's Two Gentlemen of Verona the most purely enjoyable evening of theatre I've had in a long, long time.”
Steve Callahan, KDHX


β€œNew Line Theatre and director Scott Miller's current production of Two Gentlemen of Verona not only rocks, but it's hilarious as well, aided greatly by the spectacular efforts of an enthusiastic cast and a crack band. I honestly can't recall when I've ever witnessed an audience laugh at and enjoy Shakespeare more; the resident Bad Boy of Musical Theatre has come through again. . . I really love the way director/music director Scott Miller makes the most of each comic moment, not milking it, but mining it for the richest results. . . This terrific presentation continues through March 26.”
Chris Gibson, BroadwayWorld.com


"Go see Two Gentlemen of Verona. It'll be the most fun you have at the theater this year.”
Christopher Reilly, The Patch

"MacDermot had had a triumph just a few years earlier with HAIR and Two Gentlemen offered him another opportunity to use every color in his musical palette. The 30-plus songs he crafted include every kind of rhythm, from the R&B stylings of "Night Letter" to the Latin-flavored "Thurio's Samba" (did you ever expect to hear a Shakespearean character sing 'boom-chick-a-boom?') and the country-western ditty "Pearls", not to mention the doo-wop reprise of "Love's Revenge" and the mock-operatic "Eglamour. "
Brian Scott Lipton, Theatermania

TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA CD Review
by Neil Shurley

This often overlooked winner of the1972 Tony award for best musical received its first CD release in 2002. A celebration of love based on a Shakespearean comedy, Two Gentlemen of Verona starred Raul Julia and Clifton Davis along with a large, multiracial cast in its initial Broadway run. Their voices, while sometimes rough around the edges, are full of life and character, as are all the performances on this recording.

Diane Davila brings a vivacity to her singing that's infectious and Jonelle Allen is simply wonderful. This cast members obviously enjoyed their roles. The clever lyrics by John Guare contain nods and commentary on Shakespeare and Nixon as well as blatant odes to love (and love's folly). The exuberant score by composer Galt McDermot shares a certain stylistic sense with his music from HAIR, though the songs here are more tied to their book and less able to be appreciated in stand-alone form. Fortunately, the CD contains a lengthy synopsis that assists in placing the songs in the context of the story. Plus, there's enough energy and spirit here to sustain casual listening and make one long for a new stage production. More than just a "period piece," Two Gentlemen of Verona is a valentine to the joys of love and makes a welcome premiere on disc.