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The Taming of the Shrew
Short Shakespeare
By William Shakespeare
Directed by David H. Bell
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater
Navy Pier
Chicago, IL
Call 312-595-5600, tickets: students $16 – adults $20
Saturdays at 11 am
Plus selected morning school performances
Running time is 75 minutes
Through April 13, 2007
Funny short take on Taming of the Shrew
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s wonderful series of Short Shakespeare plays (75 minutes) are geared to introduce younger audiences to the marvels of The Bard. Director David H. Bell has chosen to do The Taming of the Shrew using the classic commedia tradition complete with masks and an authentic slapstick antics and forms. The result is a zany, truly funny take on Shrew. You’ll laugh and the kids will too at this over-the-top take on the taming of a strong lady. Using comedy to celebrate our desire to play is wonderfully fulfilling as it warns us not to take life t oo seriously.
This quickly paced, well acted show cuts Shakespeare to its bones without removing any of the key elements. Molly Glynn’s Kate (the shrew), Ben Viccellio’s Petruchio (the determined suitor to Kate) together with Christopher McLinden’s Lucentio (the love struck tutor) and Joe Demsey’s Gremio (hilarious work here) highlight the cute show. The large ensemble contributed much to the light tone.
Take the kids for a terrific show—one that they’ll cherish. This is fun theatre.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date reviewed: February 3, 2007
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