Reviewed by Joan Tupponce
Anyone familiar with William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew will certainly have an opinion about Henley Street Theatre and Richmond Shakespeare’s unique take on the familiar tale.
To modernize the production, the partnered companies have moved the setting from the Italian Renaissance period to a 1930’s Hollywood soundstage. Shakespeare’s classic play revolves around the headstrong Kate, who everyone calls a shrew, and Petruchio, a gentleman of Verona, who has vowed to marry Kate and tame the shrew. As is the custom back in the day, Kate, the oldest of two daughters, must marry before her meeker sibling, Bianca, can walk the down the aisle with Lucentio who has fought off other suitors for her hand in marriage.
The production currently playing at The Steward School follows Shakespeare’s plotline but adds in an extra subplot where Hollywood filmmakers have to produce The Taming of the Shrew in less than two days. The director has chosen to cast a couple whose marriage is on the rocks in the role of Kate and Petruchio. This behind-the-scenes look at the filming has several 1930’s icons such as the Marx Brothers brushing up on their Shakespearian acting skills.
Director Jan Powell offers up some screwball moments as she meshes Hollywood with the Bard. The question is does it work? The answer: yes and no. Shakespeare’s classic tale seems to get overshadowed in the first act as the concept is introduced. By the second act, the audience has gotten used to the untraditional format and the changing plot. On the other hand, the show does provide a realistic look at the stop-and-go action that takes place during filming.
While I do like the creative aspects of the show and the unique take on the classic tale, it did feel distracting at times.
The cast as a whole is strong. Matt Hackman as Petruchio, Patrick Long as Tranio and John Mincks as Lucentio all give solid performances. McLean Jesse, who offers up a Betty Boop version of Bianca, and Liz Blake White as Kate are the standouts of the night. Both women give their all on the stage and it pays off.
This version of The Taming of the Shrew is an interesting alternative to the traditional tale. It runs through November 16 at The Steward School.
