The Raven Performing Arts Theater will take its latest performance, “Taming of the Shrew,” on the road.
Well, actually, down the street to the Bear Republic Brewery courtyard. Fab for the audience – have a brew and a chew and come see the Shrew.
Here’s the lowdown on the play. Italy, 1950s. Cool dude Lucentio cruises into Padua to study at the University. However, he bumps right into lovely Bianco and would rather study her.
Daddy (Baptista) of the lovely says no dice – I have to marry off my eldest (Katherina) first. Good luck with that, Pops, Katherina is a shrew.
But, wait, this might actually happen after all. Enter, stage right, Petruchio. He’s out and about and ready to settle down and enjoy life. Even if it’s with a foul-mouthed chick? I guess. They get hitched and abruptly after the vows Petruchio hijacks Katherina to his country house.
No wedding feast? Nope. Let the training/discipline/ rules begin. This guy gets the job done. He pretends her insults are funny and withholds food – and that’s just for starters. Meanwhile, Lucentio gets his beloved Bianco.
Fast forward to the final scene. It’s more or less a vintage Newlywed Game. Three guys – Petruchio, Lucentio and another townsman – endlessly brag about their obedient wives. They begin a challenge of which wife performs best.
Ladies in the audience beware; this is a tough act to watch. Each of the three men sends a servant to summon up the wives. The result: two no shows and one show up (Katherina).
Our former shrew goes on to lecture the no shows on the merits of being an obedient wife. Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha. The end.
And if all of this merriment isn’t quite enough, we have more for you. We’re proposing a “Why Are You A Shrew?” contest. Gather your thoughts and enter to win.
The play will be held at the Bear Republic Courtyard Aug. 11-27. Friday and Saturday performances are at 8 p.m. Sundays are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and $10 for students. Visit www.raventheater.org for tickets and more details.
– Submitted by Robby Robinson
