"Two Gentleman of Verona" by Frosted Glass Creative at Rustic Roots Winery

Shakespeare in the Vines is back! One of the true pleasures of the short Minnesota summer is seeing theater outdoors. Particularly Shakespeare, which taps into a centuries-long tradition. This is Frosted Glass Creative's fourth year presenting Shakespeare in the Vines at Rustic Roots Winery in Scandia (about a 45-minute drive Northeast from the Twin Cities), but only my second year attending it. Rustic Roots is truly the most idyllic location for outdoor theater (even in the midst of some construction to expand their facilities). And Frosted Glass' production of the comedy Two Gentleman of Verona (believed to be the first play Shakespeare ever wrote) is fun and playful and accessible, as Shakespeare was meant to be. But hurry, there are only two more performances at Rustic Roots. Or you can head to Hastings or Chisago City next week to catch additional performances at wineries there (full details and schedule here).

Two Gents contains many of the common Shakespearean tropes we see in his later plays: a misunderstanding comes between young lovers, the clownish servants get the smartest and best lines, someone is banished, and a woman puts on pants and a hat and is instantly unrecognizable. To get more specific, Two Gents is about two buddies who go off to the big city of Milan, one finding love, one forgetting the love he left behind. Valentine falls in love with Sylvia, as does his friend Proteus, despite the fact that in the last scene he was in love with Julia. Proteus sabotages his friend, Valentine is banished and falls in with a band of outlaws in the forest, Sylvia goes looking for him, Proteus follows after her, and our couples are reunited. Except that in this version (credit given to Caitlin Lowans and Ten Thousand Things for their updated version last fall), the ending is slightly altered to give more agency to the scorned woman, and focus more on the friendships.*

the company (photo courtesy of Frosted Glass)

The play is staged in a beautiful structure, with the frame of a barn but clear tarps hung on the walls, allowing the gorgeous outdoors to serve as a backdrop (while providing shade and shelter). Directors Alex Galick (who's also in the cast) and Calyssa Hall (Artistic Director) have assembled a talented local cast and employed them in a fun and playful tone. Alex plays the fickle Proteus, and almost manages to make him likeable despite the way he treats his Julia. I believe this is my first time seeing Ben Glisczinski, and he is a delight as Valentine, very funny and energetic and endearing. The two make a great pairing as the titular two gents, even sharing a secret handshake. Other highlights in this across-the-board strong cast include Madelyn Tax as the sweet Julia; Erika Soukup as Syliva, who doesn't suffer fools; Michael Quadrozzi as the clever fool Speed; Pat O'Brien as the other and more befuddled fool Launce; and Kona the dog, who is a very good Crab.

The set consists of a pretty garden arch, a small balcony, and a fountain, all strewn with flowers and greenery to make it feel like it's part of the surrounding vineyards (set design by Franz Hall and Calyssa Hall). The costume design is uncredited, but is very Renn Fest chic. Music is used throughout the show, particularly when Proteus attempts to woo Sylvia, provided by Danny Zubic on accordion and Cherelle-Renee Childs on flute, who also provided the musical setting for Sylvia's song. It's all very charming and pleasant, with cast often walking through and amidst the audience seated at tables or rows of chairs. And yes, since this is a winery, there are beverages available, as well as food from Rustic Roots' various options.

If you've never seen a Frosted Class production, you're forgiven, they tend to do short runs of special site-specific shows that are more like events (and might require a bit of a drive towards the east). But now that you know, you should follow them and try to catch one of these little gems. Next up in their "Broadway on the St. Croix" series is The Little Mermaid for one weekend in August, performed on an outdoor stage next to the river in Stillwater. And Agatha Christie fans will want to mark their calendars for the first weekend of October, when they'll present Murder on the Nile on an actual riverboat on the St. Croix (details coming soon).

enjoying Shakespeare, wine, and friendship with Tracy of Tracy Sees Stuff
and Julie of Minnesota Theater Love (photo credit: Tracy Sees Stuff)

*Plot summary borrowed from my reviews of previous productions.