THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Opens Tonight at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare will be directed by Jim Helsinger for Orlando Shakespeare Theater. The show opens tonight, September 11, and runs through October 6, 2013.

The sweet and amiable Bianca can have her pick of suitors-but only once her sister, the much less charming Kate, is married off. Fortune-seeking Petruchio rises to the challenge, but can he tame this fiery-tongued shrew? Set in the tumultuous Wild West, Shakespeare's unruly comedy gallops onto the Margeson Theater stage in a lively, high-energy battle of the sexes with a couple hell-bent on confusing and outsmarting each other right up to the play's unexpected conclusion.

The show runs September 11 - October 6, 2013, Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.; Senior Matinees at 2 p.m. at the Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater, John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, Fla.

CAST:

Baptista........................................... John Ahlin*

Priest/Taylor..................................... Anachebe Asomugha

Philip/Haber..................................... Sophie Bell

Grumio............................................ Brad DePlanche*

Katherine......................................... Deanna Gibson*

Widow/Joseph.................................. Bridgette Hoover

Tranio............................................. Jim Ireland*

Petruchio......................................... Geoffrey Kent*

Bianca.............................................Melissa Mason

Hortensio......................................... Chris Metz

Nicholas/Officer................................ A. Ross Neal

Pedant/Nathaniel.............................. Joel Oramas

Curtis............................................. Jeffrey Todd Parrott

Gremio............................................ BranDon Roberts*

Lucentio.......................................... Chris Ryan*

Vincentio......................................... Ron Schneider

Biondello.......................................... Seth Wallen

PRODUCTION TEAM:

Director........................................... Jim Helsinger

Scenic Designer................................ Kat Conley

Costume Designer............................. Denise R. Warner

Lighting Designer.............................. Mary Heffernan

Sound Designer.................................Britt Sandusky

Stage Manager ................................. Stacy Renee Norwood

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS:

Preview Dates: September 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night: September 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: September 18 and 25 at 2 p.m.

$20 Under 30: September 20 at 7:30 p.m.

PROLOGUE SERIES:

Immerse yourself into the world of Shakespeare! Starting 30 minutes before each performance, Orlando Shakes actors will lead the audience through a workshop on the plot, themes, and major characters of The Taming of the Shrew. Free for all ticket buyers! No RSVP necessary.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY:

After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 10:00 p.m.) on September 13 and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary.

PLAYSHOP:

School-age children can participate in a fun and creative camp during select Orlando Shakespeare Theater performances. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers' children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. For The Taming of the Shrew, the service is available to all ticket buyers on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 2 p.m. for just $15 per child. Advance registration is required. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 for tickets and information.

PAY WHAT YOU WILL:

We are celebrating our 25th Anniversary on the 25th of each month. Purchase any seat in the house for any amount you choose for the September 25thperformance of The Taming of the Shrew. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Box Office on the day of the performance. First come, first serve until sold out. Limited to two tickets per person.

THURSDAY TALK BACK:

Stay after the performance on Thursday, September 26 for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

DISCOUNTS:

Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+

Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID

Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

Single and Season Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online at www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando's Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Now celebrating its 25th Anniversary Season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF has grown into one of the region's most acclaimed Equity theaters producing classic, contemporary, and children's plays. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Jim Helsinger and Managing Director PJ Albert, Orlando Shakespeare Theater continues to provide an innovative world-class theatrical experience to its patrons, while showcasing William Shakespeare's legacy as the cornerstone of the company. Through Harriett's New Play Series, Orlando Shakespeare Theater has garnered national recognition for the development of over 100 new works within the past 10 years. Orlando Shakes also provides immersive educational programming serving Central Florida schools and the local community at large.

Follow Orlando Shakes on Twitter @orlandoshakes or www.twitter.com/orlandoshakes. Follow Orlando Shakes on Instagram @orlandoshakes or www.instagram.com/orlandoshakes. Visit Orlando Shakes on Facebook at www.facebook.com/orlandoshakes.

Pictured: Geoffrey Kent and Deanna Gibson. Photo Credit: Landon St. Gordon.