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CORVALLIS - A predominately female cast will give a new look to an old favorite, when Oregon State University performs the classic Shakespearean comedy "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" during a six-night run March 6-8 and April 3-5.

In many ways, this performance by OSU's University Theatre remains true to Shakespeare's original. Valentine, a young gentleman from the city of Verona, goes to Milan when he immediately falls in love with Sylvia. His best friend, Proteus, reluctantly leaves his own true love, Julia, to accompany Valentine on the journey. Then he, too, falls in love with Sylvia.

What follows is a chaotic look at love, friendship, deceit, and honor in the tradition of Shakespearean comedy.

What is different is the cast. Erin Holman takes on the role of Valentine, while Proteus is played by Jenifer Craine. Also playing traditional male roles are Kristen Hoffman as Thurio; Jen Waters, Launce; Chelsea Olson, Speed; Kimberly Wilson, Eglamour; and Tammy Blumhardt, Panthino.

Tyler Mackie will play Julia. Molly Holmes is Silvia.

The play is co-directed by Margaret Jones and Barbara Mason. Richard George designed the Elizabethan set.

Tickets are priced at $10 for general admission, $7 for seniors, and $5 for students. They may be reserved by calling the University Theatre box office at 541-737-2784 between noon and 5 p.m.

Curtain time for all performances is 7:30 p.m. The performance on Friday, April 4, will be sign language interpreted for the hearing impaired.

For more information on the play or the theater program, call 541-737-2853. The cast includes:

• Aumsville: Jason Craign, a freshman in exploratory studies, as an outlaw.
• Coquille: Chelsea Olson, a sophomore in biology, as Speed.
• Corvallis: Jen Waters, a senior in speech communication, as Launce.
• Estacada: Kristin Hoffman, a freshman in zoology, as Thurio.
• Lake Oswego: Tracey Johnson, a sophomore in political science, as a musician.
• Lebanon: Chad Smith, a junior in speech communication, as an outlaw.
• Milwaukie: Tammy Blumhardt, a freshman in English, as Panthino.
• Monroe: Erin Holman, a senior in apparel design, as Valentine.
• Portland: Tyler Mackie, a senior in art, as Julia; Susan Foster, a freshman in English, as the Duke; Courtney Silvester, a sophomore in French, as a musician.
• Salem: Mollie Holmes, a freshman in mathematics, as Sylvia.
• Wilsonville: Jenifer Craine, a freshman in speech communication, as Proteus; Kimberly Wilson, a freshman in speech communication, as Lucetta and Eglamour.
• North Dakota
  Hazen: Noah Stroup, a sophomore in exploratory studies, as an outlaw.