Marin Shakespeare Company to Present THE TAMING, 6/24-7/17

Marin Shakespeare Company, Marin County's professional and award-winning outdoor summer Shakespeare festival, opens its 2016 season with Bay Area playwright Lauren Gunderson's smart and funny "The Taming."

Amid the absurdity of the 2016 U.S. Presidential election, the timing is perfect for this modern political farce, which dishes up liberty, justice and comedy for all!

Determined to re-write the U.S. Constitution, beauty pageant contestant Miss Georgia barricades herself in a hotel room with an ultra conservative senator's aid and liberal bleeding-heart blogger. The U.S. two-party system, its founding fathers and their ideals are examined and lampooned in this timely, all-female comedy. Tristan Cunningham,* Monica Ho,** and Katie Rubin* star as the madcap women in this provocative and hilarious political power-play directed by Robert Currier.

Award-winning playwright Lauren Gunderson numerous accolades include the Lanford Wilson Award, Steinberg/ATCA New Play Award, John Gassner Award for Playwriting and the Mellon Foundation's Three-Year Residency with Marin Theatre Company. A playwright in residence at the Playwrights Foundation and a Dramatists Guild member, Gunderson's work is published by Playscripts.

Performances are presented outdoors Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The amphitheater opens one hour prior to show time for picnicking. Audiences are encouraged to bring picnics or purchase snacks at the Theatre Cafe. Warm clothing, jackets and blankets are recommended for evening performances. Parking is free.

Free pre-show and post-show conversations with a company artist or scholar are presented on select performance dates. Shakespeare Dinners are presented at 6:30 p.m. on select Saturdays for an additional $35 for a gourmet picnic and intimate pre-show talk. Wine, beer and soft drinks are available for sale, or bring your own. Shakespeare Dinner reservations are required at least two hours in advance.

WHEN: June 24 to July 17, 2016
Preview: 8 p.m. Friday, June 24 (All tickets $12)

Opening: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 25
Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 4 p.m. Sundays
Senior Day: 4 p.m. Sunday, July 10 (Half price tickets for seniors)
Family Day: 4 p.m. Sunday, July 17 (Youth 18 and under admitted free)

COST: $10 to $35
Admission at the door is $35 general; $32 senior; and $10 youth (25 and under). Preview performances are $12 per person. "Pay Your Age" is offered to audience members between the ages of 26 and 34 when purchasing tickets at the Box Office on the day of any performance, with valid identification. Marin Shakespeare Company also offers those 65 and over half-price tickets at Senior Matinees and those ages 18 and under admitted free at Family Matinee performances.