TWO GENTS, ONE DOG, ENDLESS LAUGHS
Shakespeare’s earliest comedy has never felt so fresh. At the American Shakespeare Center, The Two Gentlemen of Verona leaps from Verona to Milan with sharp wit, tangled friendships, and a scene-stealing pup who wins hearts every night.
Performed in true repertory alongside Romeo and Juliet and the world premiere of The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read, this production invites you into the Blackfriars Playhouse under Shared Light—where the story unfolds with you, not just for you.
See what audiences are discovering for themselves in the trailer below:
A DOG STEALS THE SHOW
In TheTwo Gentlemen of Verona, one cast member always gets the loudest “awws.” The role of Crab is played by a real, adoptable dog, featured onstage each night.
This fall season, the ASC is proud to partner with the Augusta Regional SPCA and the Staunton-Augusta-Waynesboro Animal Shelter (formerly Shenandoah Valley Animal Shelter).
They may come onstage for treats, but they leave with the audience laughing, clapping, and leaning in—just one of the many reasons audiences can’t stop talking about this production.
LIVE THEATRE. REAL REACTIONS.
What are people saying after experiencing Shakespeare’s early comedy on stage at ASC? Here’s what audiences had to say after the show on the streets of Staunton outside the Blackfriars Playhouse:
“That was wonderful. I loved the show.”
“That was wonderful. I love the show.”
“Yeah, I laughed so hard I cried at parts.”
“It is a fantastic space. The actors are always completely phenomenal. All of it. I mean, every moment was wonderful.”
“The costumes were fantastic.”
“The venue here is beautiful. The costumes were awesome.”
“I loved the costumes. They were fantastic.”
“The music was great. Woven in. We had a blast. It was a great evening.”
“The ending was powerful but unexpected.”
“It was really funny. I didn’t expect that. The ending was was was powerful but unexpected. Yeah, that was like really clever. It was. I really like the way that they ended it.”
“Valentine sat right in front of us…”
“Valentine sat like right in front of us when he was being mopey multiple times. It was great.”
“The actors did such a good job engaging the audience.”
“The actors did such a good job engaging the audience. They delivered their lines so clearly you could understand everything.”
EXPERIENCE SHAKESPEARE IN SHARED LIGHT
At the American Shakespeare Center, repertory theatre comes alive under shared light. Our acting company performs in true rotating repertory, giving you the chance to see The Two Gentlemen of Verona alongside Romeo and Juliet and the world premiere of The Pirate Ballad of Bonny & Read. Each night offers a different story, a new perspective, and a shared experience with the actors and audience together.
Reserve Your Tickets for The Two Gentlemen of Verona
Don’t miss your chance to see The Two Gentlemen of Verona—live in repertory at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia.
PLAN YOUR WEEKEND ESCAPE IN STAUNTON, VIRGINIA
Make your trip to see The Two Gentlemen of Verona part of a full Staunton getaway. This nationally celebrated small town in the Shenandoah Valley is the perfect place for a weekend escape.
- Experience Live Theatre at the Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, VA, where the American Shakespeare Center brings Shakespeare to life in its re-creation of Shakespeare’s indoor stage.
- Discover Downtown Staunton, where historic streets lead you to boutique shops, art galleries, and locally loved cafés.
- Sip Your Way Along the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail, with stops like Ox-Eye Vineyards’ tasting room in downtown Staunton, Barren Ridge Vineyards in nearby Fishersville, and scenic wineries just a short drive from the Playhouse.
Pair an evening at the Blackfriars with days of exploring, and your Staunton weekend will be one to remember. Whether you’re here for Shakespeare, a romantic weekend, or a family trip, Staunton offers something unforgettable.