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Talented cast brings to life a tale of two young men who journey from a small Midwestern town to the alluring promise of California, where dreams are made and shattered in equal measure

San Francisco Shakespeare Festival is pleased to announce the outstanding cast of the 43rd season of Free Shakespeare in the Park: Tyler Aguallo (Valentine), Anthony Doan (Lucetta/Thurio), Michelle Navarrete* (Duke of Milan/Antonio/Eglamour), Emily Newsome* (Silvia), Joel Ochoa (Launce/Speed), Brennan Pickman-Thoon* (Proteus), Chanel Tilghman* (Julia); understudies are Mikki Johnson and Christopher Prescott. (*Member Actors’ Equity Association)

Performances will take place July through September in public parks throughout the Bay Area, including Cupertino’s Memorial Park, Redwood City’s Red Morton Park, San Francisco’s Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park, as well as the newly added last season, Sue Bierman Park in San Francisco. In 2024, the community of Cupertino rallied to fill a funding gap created by the city’s budget challenges, and plans are underway to again fill this budget gap so the show may go on. The addition of performances in Sue Bierman Park in 2024 demonstrated that the arts are critical to downtown revitalization, and SF Shakes is eager to build on its initial success this summer.

As always no tickets or reservations are needed to attend the shows. All are invited to bring family and friends to enjoy professional theater in a beautiful park setting at no charge. The show is suitable for all ages and runs 90 minutes without an intermission.

The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Shakespeare’s classic romantic comedy, features witty banter, love triangles, and mistaken identities. This fascinating tale will use music inspired from the regions these two gents travel through as they make their way from the Midwest to sunny California.

What happens when best friends, Valentine and Proteus venture westward seeking their fortune, seduced by reinvention, success, and the possibilities of love? What happens when self proclaimed bachelor, Valentine meets the self assured Silvia? What will Julia, the girl Proteus left behind do, when she discovers he believes himself in love with Silvia too? Will Valentine and Proteus’ friendship withstand this betrayal?

This will be the Festival’s second Free Shakespeare in the Park presentation of The Two Gentlemen of Verona, having staged it in 2010, directed by Kenneth Kelleher. It was also a popular Shakespeare on Tour production in 1997 and 2005-06, when it toured schools, libraries, and community centers throughout the state.

Want more theatre?

See What’s Playing

Free Shakespeare in the Park 2025 presents The Two Gentlemen of Verona

Cupertino’s Memorial Park Amphitheater, 21163 Anton Way

July 19, Saturday, 6:00-7:30 pm (preview)
July 20, Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm (preview)
July 26, Saturday, 6:00-7:30 pm (preview)
July 27, Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm (preview)
August 2, Saturday, 6:00-7:30 pm (opening)
August 3, Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm

Redwood City’s Red Morton Park, Vera Ave & Valota Rd

August 9, Saturday, 6:00-7:30 pm (preview)
August 10, Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm (opening)
August 16, Saturday, 6:00-7:30 pm
August 17, Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm
August 23, Saturday, 6:00-7:30 pm
August 24, Sunday, 6:00-7:30 pm

San Francisco’s McLaren Park, Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, 40 John F. Shelley Dr, between Cambridge & Mansell St

August 30, Saturday, 2:00-3:30 pm (preview)
August 31, Sunday, 2:00-3:30 pm (preview)
September 1, Labor Day Monday, 2:00-3:30 pm (opening)
September 6, Saturday, 2:00-3:30 pm
September 7, Sunday, 2:00-3:30 pm

San Francisco’s Sue Bierman Park, Washington & Drumm St, just north of Embarcadero Plaza, across from the Ferry Building

September 13, Saturday, 2:00-3:30 pm (preview)
September 14, Sunday, 2:00-3:30 pm (opening)
September 20, Saturday, 2:00-3:30 pm
September 21, Sunday, 2:00-3:30 pm