Time-Standard theatre reviewer (July 27, 1989)
ARCATA - "The Fonz" and Ritchie are holding court right now in Arcata's Redwood Park. At least the "Happy Days" 1950s flavor is very much present in the Arcata Community Theatre's production of "The Two Gentleman of Verona."
Sometimes the idea of time-warp Shakespeare plays better in thought than it does in deed. Luckily, that is not the case with this delightful, inventive leap into the innocent - or were they? - times we hold so dear. Memory is always kinder because it's selective; and James Floss has held up a mirror to reflect not reality, but fond remembrance. And that's all right, too.
What the audience experiences with this play is an evening of boldly sketched fantasy that is - and I hate to use the terminology because it sounds too pat - fun for the whole family. Even if you're not a fan of the classics, this is a pleasurable and painless way to acquaint oneself with the wit of the Bard of Avon. Even kids will enjoy it because it looks (even if it doesn't sound) like their visual-TV comfort zone.
There's a rock 'N' roll band, playing and singing, some questionably in tune, and therefore painfully authentic rendition of a lot of the oldies-but-badies that haunt every golden rock station. And just enough duck-tails and leather jackets balanced with crinoline skirts and apple pie to make you think you stumbled into Mayberry. Credit must immediately go to the hard-working costume, makeup and design people such as Cindy Olen and Sharalyn Lawerence, who not only pulled off the look, but enhanced it.
One of the things I enjoyed most was the chance to see some bright, talented new faces added to the local theater scene: Katy Longshore, Emily Jacobs, Doug Small, Erin Smith, Ellen Tiffany, Ken Obarski, Gabe Hanly. Michael Tiffany, and musicians Satva Leung and James Wonder. Of particular note was Courtland Geyer as the hip, Brando-esque Proteus. His skill with combining the attitude of the macho dude with the clarity and understanding of the text was, you might say, close to awesome. Great things are in store for this young man if he continues to conquer his future theatrical endeavors as marvelously as did this one.
John Dunbar as the other gentleman, Valentine, was not quite as dazzling as his counterpart, but was a squeaky-clean and well done opposite to his somewhat despicable friend. Ryan Thompson was the epitome of a lovable nerd, and Dane Pikkola, the one veteran actor in the cast was at his "Father Knows" best.
The two top scene-stealers, however, were an actress who spoke not a word; and a brash brat on a bike. The actress? A lady of the canine persuasion named Velvet Shoelaces who upstaged everyone in sight by simply sitting and wagging her tail, grinning an enchanting, doggy smile. The bike-bourne brat? An amazingly gifted performer named Casie Fox. Her command of the verse and puns was wonderful. Not only did she endear herself as everyone's favorite, pesky kid sister, but she truly captured the essence of the classic Shakespearean clown. She is a real find.
All in all, "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" is one of the nicest ways to get to know the pleasures of the words of the world's most revered playwright, presented in a fresh 1950s setting.