A tour inside Mago Hunt Theater

Many University of Portland students pass by Mago Hunt Theater on the way to class, but do they really know what's inside?

Here's your personal tour of UP Theater's home!

"Two Gentlemen of Verona" Opens Tonight!

photo by Scott Chia

What do love, friendship, betrayal, self-discovery and a dog have in common? William Shakespeare's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" of course!

The University of Portland's "Two Gentlemen of Verona opens tonight at 7:30 p.m. The play, which has an updated "college interpretation," will be held at UP's Mago Hunt Theater.

The play will also be performed:

March 4-5 at 7:30 p.m.

March 6 at 2 p.m.  

March 9-11 at 7:30 p.m.

"Two Gentlemen of Verona" centers around best friends Valentine and Proteus, played by seniors Conor Eifler and Alex Kirby, as they both fall in love with Silvia, played by sophomore Jessica Hillenbrand. Matters become complicated with Proteus' betrothed Julia, played by sophomore Maddie Eberhard, comes into the picture. Mayhem ensues as they must choose to keep their "bromance" with one another or maintain their respective romances.

The idea of making this classic play a story about "bromance" came under the direction of Rico Nan. Nan, the director of UP's "Two Gentlemen of Verona," chose to update the setting and approach of this classic Shakespearean comedy. As opposed to 16th century England, this production of "Two Gentlemen of Verona" is set at modern day University of Portland.

photo by Steve Hambuchen

"The underlying messages of friendship, love, and having to listen and deal with authority, even when it contrasts with what someone actually wants, transfers into any era," junior Eleanor Johnson, who plays Valentine's good friend Speed, said. "The play actually worked being set in the present even through it was written hundreds of years ago."

The costumes have a modern vibe with Nike sneakers, blue-streaked hair, and hipster sunglasses. The costume design was done by junior Megan La Fleur.

Kirby, who is doing his acting capstone with "Two Gentlemen of Verona," is happy that this is his last show at Mago Hunt Theater.

"Shakespeare is classic theatre-going fun," Kirby said. "To go out on a note like that is great."

Coming on the tail end of a busy UP Theater month with ACTF and URTA (University/Resident Theatre Association) auditions, many of the actors had to balance their schedules with this rehearsal process.

"The rehearsal process after ACTF was more focused and structured," Johnson said. "It was nice to be able to come back from ACTF and have only the play be the priority."

Although the rehearsal process might have been crazy with ACTF and URTA auditions, the actors are excited to present their modern interpretation of "Two Gentlemen of Verona."

"Being on that stage with such a fantastic group of people is an honor and a privilege," Kirby said. "It is a little disheartening that something like this play with this group of people will be hard to come by again. I am definitely soaking it in as much as I can."

Tickets for University of Portland's "Two Gentlemen of Verona" can be purchased at the Mago Hunt Box Office or call the box office at 503-943-7287. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students and seniors.

photo by Scott Chia

"Two Gentlemen of Verona" all-student cast:

Conor Eifler (Valentine), Alex Kirby (Proteus), Maddie Eberhard (Julia), Eleanor Johnson (Speed), Eric Lyness (Launce), Logan Matthews (Antonio and Frat Boy), Hillary Joseph (Lucetta), Hillary Burrelle (Pantina and Hostess), Clarke Orr (The Dean), Jessica Hillenbrand (Silvia), Jeff Phillips (Thurio), Andrew Ottolia (Frat Boy) and Charles Lattin (Frat Boy)

with special guest artist:

Patrick Rexroat (Eglamoure)