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Read and discuss the books that inspired Broadway musicals, enriching understanding and enjoyment of both!
Two Gentleman of Verona is one of William Shakespeare's early plays (and perhaps first). It follows the friendships, rivalries, and romances of friends Valantine and Proteus as they venture from their more provincial home of Verona to the city of Milan, Sylvia the daughter of the Duke with whom they both fall in love, and Proteus' betrothed back in Verona, Julia. Exploring the complexities of love and friendship was a theme Shakespeare explored thoroughly in future plays, with Two Gentleman of Verona serving as a template to other works.
Two Gentleman of Verona the musical premiered on Broadway in 1971, with music by Hair (1967) composer Galt MacDermont, lyrics by John Guare, and Book by John Guare and Mel Shapiro. They reworked the play as a rock musical featuring a contemporary music style with with allusions to the political climate of the day, particularly in regards to the war in Vietnam. It notoriously wan the 1972 Tony Award for best musical, beating out other favorites Grease and Follies. It ran for 613 performances.
We typically meet the fourth Thursday of the month at the Northeast Neighborhood Library at 6:30pm in the Mezzanine Conference Room. This month, we will meet Thursday, Oct 23, 2025 in the Northeast Neighborhood Library Mezzanine Conference Room. Please click "Register" or email Jeff at jeffrey.gluckman@dc.gov if you plan to attend!
To go beyond the text:
Listen to the Original Broadway Cast album on Spotify.
Watch an 1984 BBC production of the play on Kanopy
