See two classic plays at Janus Theater summer series

The Janus Theater Company continues its Summer Rep 2012 series, Austen in Elgin (Shakespeare on Division).

This is the second year of the Summer Rep series and it feature “Pride & Prejudice” by Jane Austen, adapted by Jon Jory and directed by Marge Uhlarik-Boller, and “Two Gentlemen of Verona” by William Shakespeare, adapted and directed by Terry Domschke. The Summer Rep 2012 series will run through July 22 and is sponsored in part by the City of Elgin, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and the Elgin Art Showcase.

Both plays are presented in repertory, featuring “Pride & Prejudice” on June 29-30 and July 14 and 21, and “Two Gentlemen of Verona” on July 13-15, 20-22 at the Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division St., Elgin, on the eighth floor of the Professional Building.

One of the highlights of this year’s series will be seeing two early stories from two of the most popular writers in the English language.

“Both plays are romantic comedies,” said founder and artistic director Sean Hargadon.“One deals with the bonds of friendship between two boyhood friends and the other deals with the delicate dance of courtship between a proud man and a critical woman.”

It is estimated that “Two Gentlemen of Verona” was the first play written by William Shakespeare around 1591-1592. Jane Austen wrote an early version of “Pride & Prejudice” in 1797 called “First Impressions.” Eventually, the fully printed story came out in 1813.

On Saturdays, July 14 and 21, both plays will be offered in a marathon staging with “Pride & Prejudice” appearing at 2 p.m. and “Two Gentlemen of Verona” at 8 p.m.

The Janus Theater Company Summer Rep 2012 series will be performed at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays, to July 22. Tickets are $15 online at www.janusrep.eventbrite.com and $17 by phone at (847) 841-1713. For more information, go to www.janustheater.com. Look for Janus Theater Company Summer Rep 2012 on Facebook.