Westfield Memorial Library To Host Two Gentlemen Of Verona

By Roz Giuditta

On Wednesday, August 5, at 7:00 pm, the Westfield Memorial Library will present, “Two Gentlemen of Verona” performed by the Hudson Shakespeare Company. The library is located at 550 East Broad Street.

In what is considered to be Shakespeare’s first play, Valentine and his best friend, Proteus, leave their home in Verona to seek out the broader world of Milan. Proteus leaves behind his love, Julia, who dresses as a page-boy in order to run after Proteus to Milan, only to discover that he has fallen in love with another woman, Silvia...the same woman who is the heart’s desire of Valentine. The play mixes all of Shakespeare’s great themes of friendship, loyalty, infidelity, the outrageous behavior of young people in love...and a few madcap scenes.

Founded in 1992, the Hudson Shakespeare Company continues to strive toward bringing the classics and contemporary theater to a myriad of locations and venues in New Jersey and the greater Tri-State area. Through their programs, they seek to create innovative and comfortable atmospheres for all personnel, from on stage to back stage, and to provide broad cultural and artistic exposure to audiences. At the same time, they pride themselves on a long tradition of giving first time directors, actors and technicians their “first crack” at the theater.

Due to the popularity of free, live theater at the library, audience members must register for this event. It is open to Westfield Memorial Library cardholders only; MURAL cardholders may register for first play beginning July 29, space permitting, and may register for second on July 29, space permitting. (MURAL cardholders belong to libraries that are part of the Middlesex Union Reciprocal Agreement Libraries. Check with your library to see if your library participates.) To register for the program, visit the library’s website at www.wmlnj.org, click on the Online Calendar, or call 908.789.4090 option 0.

Founded in 1879, the Westfield Memorial Library—the community’s destination for discovery and ideas—engages minds, entertains spirits and facilitates lifelong learning for people of all ages. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and closed on Sunday for the summer.

For more information call 908.789.4090, visit the library’s website at www.wmlnj.org, and sign up for the monthly e-newsletter “Library Loop,” or stop by the library at 550 East Broad Street for a copy of the award-winning quarterly newsletter “Take Note.”