Annual Hobnob show gives the Bard’s script a local spin in ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona, PA’
Hobnob Theatre Company is tying traditional William Shakespeare into modern life for the audience in “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” for Shakespeare in the Park, bringing the characters, originally from Verona, Italy, to Verona, Pennsylvania.
“So, I have a long history with doing Shakespeare and trying to sell Shakespeare, and I think it can be a pretty tough sell, depending on what you’re doing,” said Andrew Miller, the director of the show.
Miller has been involved in two other Shakespeare productions with Hobnob Theatre. He said Shakespeare can be a difficult playwright to sell in his experience. Blending in locations that are familiar to the audience helps them connect with the piece.
“What I really like to do is try to give people something that they can relate to in the show, and I think a lot of the time, if people let Shakespeare wash over them, then they’ll find something there,” Miller said.
William Shakespeare’s 1598 play is a comedy riddled with romance, conflict and brotherly love.
Following friends Valentine and Proteus, played by Jeff Carey and Sam Thinnes, respectively, who each hail from Italy, Hobnob’s version of the show features a spirited punk band based out of Verona.
Multiple aspects of Pittsburgh culture were incorporated into the script, from neighborhoods to mentions of popular venues.
“The Pittsburgh tie-ins, I think, will really make people laugh and, like, feel more connected to the story,” Casey Hoolahan, who will portray Silvia, said.
In order to transform Shakespeare era characters into punk enthusiasts, the wardrobe has to match. Hoolahan has participated in the last two Shakespeare in the Park shows, and said this year, her favorite part of doing a warped version of the play is the distressed, punk-inspired wardrobing.
“The punk pop part of it too has influenced the costume and I love it, it’s like how I wanted to dress in high school,” Hoolahan said.
The actors are preparing to perform the show outdoors at Preston Park in Butler Township, and tickets cost $10. Bringing the show outside allows for a nearly unlimited amount of guests to come out and see the performance.
“It has to be for everybody, with something like this, I think the more accessible you can make it, the better,” Miller said.
Miller said some can hold preconceived notions about Shakespeare, believing it is too exclusive. Bringing it to the community can offer a chance to resonate with the work.
“I think it takes the mysticism away, which is as it should be, we just want to tell a story,” said Miller.
Children and pets can join spectators, and anyone can bring chairs to set up, making the performance intimate, raw and accessible.
“The studio is small, a theater is limited, but this, like anybody can come,” Hoolahan said.
The cast includes Sam Thinnes, Molly Miller, Jeff Carey, Casey Hoolahan, Laura Crago, Alison Carey, Cory Pfahl, Jeff Myers, Thom Hilliard and Katy Wayne. Performances will take place at Preston Park at 6:30 p.m. on July 31 and Aug. 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9. Tickets can be purchased at HobnobTheatre.Ludus.com.
