By Shirley A. Gorman

News Editor

Western Texas College drama students will breathe new life into one of William Shakespeare’s early plays, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which debuts Thursday in the Fine Arts Theatre on the WTC campus.

Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets are $5 for adults. For reservations, call 573-8511, ext. 234.

Calling the shots in Shakespeare’s raucous romantic comedy will be guest director Dr. Louise Stinespring, former Texas Tech professor.

The comedy incorporates the conflicts that love, friendship, and forgiveness can bring about and overcome.

The two gentlemen are Proteus and Valentine. Ryan Ballard +tackles the role of Proteus and Tedrick George will portray Valentine. Trouble begins when they both fall in love with the same woman.

To complicate things further, the Duchess of Milan, played by Meagan Bailey, disguises herself as a man and pays both men an unexpected visit.

Stinespring said Shakespeare’s play is “perfect for this time of year because it is about forgiveness and redemption.”

She added that the comedy is “quick, funny and interesting and quickly reaches a happy ending.” She also likes “the gorgeous language” and that the play leaves “you feeling happy.”

Stinespring complimented the drama students for choosing this play. She noted that they have “reconstructed” it and modernized it somewhat by changing the setting to a Mardi Gras at New Orleans, rather than Milan, but they kept the text.

This play marks Stinespring’s directorial debut in Snyder. Previously she directed while a graduate student at Texas Tech University, where she also served as professor of theatre for three years.

Stinespring and WTC drama director Ray Newton met several years ago. He said she has sometimes assisted him with play festivals.

Originally from New York, Stinespring taught at junior colleges for two years and she is a former actress. She attended Texas Tech on a fellowship where she studies for her Ph.D. She and twin sons arrived in Lubbock in 1994 and she received her Ph.D. in 1999.

Newton said Stinespring is one of the best acting coaches he has worked with.

Stinespring said she has led an eclectic life but, first and foremost, she is an educator and has a “passion for working with kids.”

WTC players include Meagan Bailey as the Duchess of Milan; Tedrick George as Valentine; Ryan Ballard as Proteus; Lacey Rowe of Antonia; Ricky Goughlet; Chris Hensley as speed; Cassandra Darlin as the Hostess; Amber Ward as Julia; Rhealan Wagnon as Sylvia; Amanda Mitchell as Lucetta; Monica Rose as Outlaw; and Jacob Brumley as Launce.