Totally ’80s Shakespeare as Theatre UAB presents “Two Gentlemen of Verona” from March 4-8

In a reimagined John Hughes-meets-Shakespeare world, things go comically awry when two high school pals fall for the same girl. Directed by Santiago Sosa, the production is packed with doublets, letterman jackets, boomboxes, swords and crimped hair.

“As a Gen X-er, I grew up with two older sisters who were very much into ’80s pop culture,” Sosa said. “I love music videos to this day, and this production is an ode to that time in my life.”

Theatre UAB is the performance company of the University of Alabama at Birmingham College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre.

“Two Gentlemen of Verona” is set for performances at 7:30 p.m. March 4-8, in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center, Sirote Theatre. Tickets are $12-$15; $10 for students, UAB employees and senior citizens. For tickets, call 205-975-2787 or visit AlysStephens.org.

A special guest artist for this production is actor James Ridge of American Players Theatre, whose mentorship was instrumental to Sosa. Ridge is working with students on their characters and his approach in rehearsals and will play the role of The Duke. His visit to UAB is made possible by a generous gift from the Jemison Fund. Ridge has worked with Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, Renaissance, Next Act, Forward, Madison Repertory and Utah Shakespeare Festival, among other credits.

Theatre UAB first presented this play as a musical in 1984, and the production featured UAB junior Jack Cannon. Now 40 years later, and purely by chance, it will be performed again and set in the 1980s. Cannon, who graduated in 1985, is now assistant professor of Theatre, and will also perform in this production. Michael Mercardo will play Launce, the role Cannon had, and serve as fight captain. READ MORE at uab.edu/news