Public Theater to Revive Two Gentlemen of Verona Musical at Delacorte
Two Gentlemen was intially created for the Public's Mobile Theater in 1971. The show was presented in the Delacorte in the summer of 1971 and transferred to Broadway's St. James Theater on November 13 of that year; it was nominated for nine Tony Awards, winning for Best Musical and Best Book of a Musical. The original cast featured Jonelle Allen, Clifton Davis, and Raul Julia -- all of whom received Tony nominations -- as well as Jerry Stiller and Jeff Goldbum.
"In the summer of 1971, in a country torn apart by an unpopular war, racial unrest, and violent social conflict, John Guare, Galt MacDermot, and Mel Shapiro created an extraordinary, inclusive musical about love," stated Oskar Eustis, the Public's new artistic director. "The show was a watershed moment for The Public, combining as it did all the great pillars of our mission: Shakespeare, music, diversity, populism, and immediacy. Revisiting this wonderful show is a terrific way to celebrate our 50th anniversary."