Tosi and LilyBet, two local canines, are featured in Camden Shakespeare’s The Two Gentlemen of Verona. Yes, Shakespeare really wrote an actual dog into this play, most likely because that pet was inseparable from his actor-owner.

Two Camden canines will alternate in the role of Crab, the Dog: Tosi, an eleven-year-old great Pyrenees / Anatolian shepherd mix, belongs to Jennifer Legnini, a local farmer-chef; and LilyBet, a twelve-year-old female border collie, belongs to James and Michelle Ricca, both retired. Both dogs were chosen for their laid-back attitude, fitting for a pooch that always gets her owner into trouble. Starring alongside the dog divas is David Long III who plays Launce, Crab’s put-upon handler.

David says, “This is my first show working with a dog, so to say that 'I am excited' would be an understatement."  

It is also an understatement that the audiences are loving Tosi and LilyBet. Camden Shakespeare presents The Two Gentlemen of Verona in the Camden Amphitheatre through August 10. For more information, including show dates and times, visit www.camdenshakespeare.org.

The performances are produced in conjunction with the Camden Public Library.

Performance dates for The Two Gentlemen of Verona are July 24, 25, 29, 30, 31, and August 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10. All performances begin at 6 p.m.

Tickets are available at CamdenShakespeare.org, by calling 207-464-0008, or at the theatre one hour prior to each performance, depending on availability.