“Do You Not Perceive the Jest?” Oh, but I Do!

The sun was soft and low in the sky, enveloping the Contemporary Theater Company (CTC)’s outdoor performance space in a dreamy midsummer glow; it’s the perfect setting to kick off the troupe’s “Shakespeare on the Saugatucket” series. This month, CTC presents William Shakespeare’s comedy Two Gentlemen of Verona, a cheerful adventure complete with complicated love triangles, hilarious sidekicks and a woman disguised as a man to win the affections of her beloved. A well-balanced Shakespearean snack.

It is worth noting that CTC’s non-gender conforming casting — the “two gentlemen” are played by women — serves to highlight the talents of the actors greatly. Of course, in Shakespeare’s time, all major roles (including female characters) would have been played by men, but the power of this new dynamic at CTC is not lost in its irony. The actors lend personality to each character, creating a well-varied cast that makes Shakespeare’s elaborate plotlines refreshingly easy to follow. The inconsistent costuming (designed by Dean Hernandez), however, proves to be a bit of a hindrance, swooping in and out of time periods and styles rather arbitrarily. This does not keep the lead actors from shining, showcasing the palpable chemistry among the cast, a rare treat for the audience.

The performances by Proteus (Maggie Papa), Valentine (Magenta Kolakowski) and Speed (Susan Chakmakian) were especially good, but perhaps most noteworthy was the portrayal of Julia (Alijah Dickenson), a classic Shakespearean scorned lover who provides much of the play’s dramatic flavor. One scene in particular, in which Julia rips up a letter from her love and attempts to piece it back together by kissing each scrap, has the audience cracking up. Dickenson’s facial expressions and comedic timing bring the work into the 21st century without dismantling the history of the play. Each exasperated sigh and woeful gaze is well-thought-out and remarkably executed.

The show’s director, Tammy Brown, has done a fantastic job pacing the performance, one scene flowing into the next so smoothly it is difficult not to be transported into the world of these characters. In fact, the blocking utilizes every bit of the beautiful patio setting so effortlessly that the audience actually becomes submerged in the play itself. With actors pouring in from all angles throughout the performance space, there is truly not a bad seat in the house. The actors pull the audience into the performance in a light, unintimidating way, acknowledging their presence with direct eye contact and the occasional high-five in a celebratory moment. It feels spontaneous and free, and the entire audience seemed keen to play along. In one scene, the story’s ultimate love interest, fair Silvia (Emily Rodriguez), performs from atop the bridge crossing the Saugatucket River, in a simple yet effective depiction of the character’s nightly imprisonment in a tall tower. This small detail is one of many that showcase Brown’s clear understanding of body language, spatial composition and the importance of a varied setting. She accomplishes this quite well, an impressive feat in such a small, albeit very pretty, natural space.

Though Two Gentlemen is certainly a classic, CTC’s version is far from conventional. Wonderfully human expressions abound, including an endearingly dewy-eyed gaze from the two gentlemen as they watch the beautiful Silvia walk away. It’s moments like this one that create the essential accessibility that comes only with relatable characterization. CTC seems to have mastered this; Valentine’s page, Speed, rolls off scene after scene of over-the-top yet thoroughly enjoyable comedic relief, her timing so expert it has the entire audience laughing out loud. There are more comedic scenes in this play than much of Shakespeare’s greatest, and the talent of this cast shines in their ability to deliver comedy in a range of styles, from dry to dramatized, with unflinching dedication to the moment. Timing is everything, and these actors have pulled it off well.

One such comedic relief offering does not succeed, however. In the “outlaw” characters who roam the woods and befriend one of the exiled gentlemen, Brown has perhaps gone a bit too far. An attempt to provide comedic relief is appreciated, but not necessary, as the outlaws’ repetitive chanting of a gimmicky song proves a distracting addition to an otherwise excellent production. Still, each tactic employed does aid in the understanding of Shakespeare’s intricate writing; particularly delicious is Launce’s delivery of the tongue-twisting line, “Why, stand-under and under-stand is all one.” As Launce (portrayed by Ashley Macamaux) leans dramatically on his walking staff, the audience is guided easily to the understanding (no pun intended) of the emotional and physical double meaning in his words.

Though his humor is heavily featured here, Shakespeare’s romantic writing never disappoints, and it is displayed with passion by the leads. Proteus’ delivery in particular, with his (her) passionate, indecisive soliloquies, highlight the great fortitude of Shakespeare’s romantic writing skills. The drama of love transcends time, and though Shakespeare’s words are intense by today’s standards, the honest release of emotion from the cast brings these feelings elegantly into the modern day. Even difficult situations (the reveal of the disguised lover’s true identity) become humorous: Proteus’ perfectly awkward greeting, “Heeeeey…” with a snide smirk to the audience feels as though it could be lifted straight from a modern-day comedy … in the best way.

Isn’t it lovely to see a happy ending? Especially when it arrives so easily after a quite complicated path. Summer nights on a breezy patio call for comedy, joy and a happily ever after, and CTC’s Two Gentlemen of Verona surely delivers. Grab a friend, check out the company’s new outdoor bar (get the special Two Gentlemen-themed drink, “Valentine’s Tears”!), and get ready to laugh. This show is pure, light-hearted, summertime fun.

Contemporary Theater Company’s Shakespeare on the Saugatucket: Two Gentlemen of Verona runs throughout July, Wednesdays & Sundays at 7pm, in the outdoor patio space at Contemporary Theatre Company, 327 Main St in Wakefield. Performances are free to the public, but donations are graciously accepted (bring cash!). Seating provided.