Two Gentlemen of Verona

Two Gentlemen of Verona (1971), a musical comedy by John Guare (book, lyrics), Mel Shapiro (book), Galt MacDermot (music). [ St. James Theatre, 627 perf.; Tony, NYDCC Awards.] This updated, musicalization of Shakespeare's The Two Gentlemen of Verona was given a rock score when presented by the New York Shakespeare Festival in Central Park. The sly show, which used ethnic humor, slang mixed with Elizabethan verse, and plenty of anachronisms, proved so popular that producer Joe Papp moved it to Broadway with success. The multiracial cast included Raul Julia, Clifton Davis, Jonelle Allen, and Diana Davila. Notable songs: Who Is Sylvia?; Night Letter; Bring All the Boys Back Home.