FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 22 , 2002 CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119 SHAKESPEARE ROCKS IN DRAKE'S PRODUCTION OF 'TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA – THE MUSICAL' Drake University Theatre will present "Two Gentlemen of Verona – The Musical," a 1970s-style freewheeling adaptation of William Shakespeare's comedy featuring music by Galt McDermot and lyrics by John Guare. McDermot, the composer of "Hair," uses rock, pop, Latin, blues and even a touch of country-western to enliven the bard's tale of tangled love, broken vows and a final happy reconciliation. "Two Gentlemen of Verona – The Musical" was a smash hit in 1971 and 1972 and won the Tony Award for Best Musical and the New York Drama Critics' Circle Award. "This production is pure flower power – bell bottoms, go-go girls, a doo-wop backing group and psychedelic images," says director Clive Elliott, Drake's Daniel B. Goldberg artist in residence. Performances will start at 8 p.m. March 7, 8 and 9 and at 2 pm. Sunday, March 10, in the Performing Arts Hall, Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Elliott will give a presentation on "The Many Attempts to Turn the Works of Shakespeare into Broadway Musicals" at a TalkAbout preceding the performance on Friday, March 8. The TalkAbout will start at 6 p.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Student Center, 28th Street and Brattleboro Avenue. There will be a light supper featuring Pasta Veronese, fresh vegetables, country bread and assorted biscotti. Elliott will make his presentation at 7 p.m. Tickets for the TalkAbout and Friday night performance are $16. For reservations, call (515) 271-4747. Tickets for the musical, which are $6 for adults, $3 for students and senior citizens, are available at the Drake Fine Arts Box Office at (515) 271-3841.