MONMOUTH — Theater at Monmouth’s summer repertory season will continue with the opening of William Shakespeare’s “Two Gentlemen of Verona” on Friday, July 13.

Love and friendship are at odds in this youthful comedy about jealousy and the fickle nature of love.

Set in the sock-hopping 1950s, “Two Gents” follows the escapades of best friends,  Proteus and Valentine, who find themselves without restraints or rules at the duke’s court in Milan. Back home, Proteus pledged his love to Julia, but he forgets his vow when he meets the duke’s daughter, Sylvia, who is secretly engaged to Valentine. With a bit of treachery, some boys behaving badly, a band of silly outlaws, two clowns and a lovable dog, “Two Gentlemen of Verona” pokes fun at friendship, falling in love and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Shakespeare’s earliest comedy contains many of the themes of his later comic works: lovers overcoming obstacles as they race for the altar, lightning changes in affection, a young woman in disguise forced to woo another on behalf of the man she loves, fools who are wiser than their masters, a forest where all seem to live more freely and honestly than at court, and a happy ending with the promise of marriage.

The word “love” appears more frequently in this comedy than in any other Shakespearean play.

Catherine Weidner comes to Monmouth for her first season to direct. No stranger to comedy or to Shakespeare, she trained at Second City in Chicago, wrote for the “Late Show with David Letterman” and spent 10 years at the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C.

“Growing up hasn’t changed much in 400 years, and Shakespeare’s ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona’ is still relevant and, more importantly, still funny after all these years,” Weidner said. 

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. July 12, 13, 14 & 21 and Aug. 9, 14 & 17; and at 7 p.m. July 15 and Aug. 12. Matinee shows will be at 1 p.m. July 22 and Aug. 1 & 4. Tickets are $20-$28. For reservations, call 933-9999 or visit www.theateratmonmouth.org.