The Taming of the Shrew
Subject: Quicktake - "The Taming of the Shrew" by Wm. Shakespeare
Date:Sunday, July 30, 2006
Quicktake on THE TAMING OF THE SHREW
At least it's free. And since the stage has been set up parallel to Charles St., the audience doesn't have to watch on a slant unlike last summer's "Hamlet". VIP seating doesn't obscure the view for the groundlings as much, though inconsiderate people with tall chairs tend to. As for this summer's production, a modern dress version of "The Taming of the Shrew"--set in the North End of "Bostonia" instead of Padua--it's more of the same misplaced invention. The young lover, Lucentio, played by Scott Barrow, lurches onstage on roller blades. His man Tranio, played by Nat DeWolf, has a textbook "Bahstin" accent, less convincing than Larry Coen's homegrown improv honed version as Biondello. Petruchio, played by Darren Pettie rides in on a Vespa scooter. After marrying Jennifer Dundas' Kate, he takes her home to Revere Beach, suggested by a backdrop of giant beach towels, beach chairs, and a Weber grill. Baptista, Kate & Bianca's father, played with an accent by Paul D. Farwell, runs an italian restaurant called 'Tista's, spelled out in illuminated letters which dominates the set. Younger daughter Bianca, played by Angie Jepson, elopes also on skates. And so it goes.
An experienced cast does as well as can be expected jumping from situation to situation, developing rather one-note characterizations. This is least effective, unfortunately, for the two leads who come off as singleminded and loud, with no simpatico. Those with clownish roles, like Remo Airaldi's Hortensio, one of Bianca's official suitors, come off better. As Petruchio's man Grumio, energetic Antonio Edwards Suarez is too intent on physical comedy, however. The tone of the show is set more by Clint E.B.Ramos' post WWII costuming and J Hagenbuckle's selection of pop tunes than by John Coyne's impressive but inflexible realistic set. This large cast effort demonstrates that throwing money at an idea doesn't help if there's no core to the basic idea.
The Taming of the Shrew" by Wm. Shakespeare, July 22 - Aug.13 (weather permitting)
Commonwealth Shakespeare at the Parade Ground
Boston Common, (617) 532-1212
Commonwealth Shakespeare
posted by will at 12:13 PM
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