BWW Reviews: St. Louis Shakespeare's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

To an audience today, William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew might be considered politically incorrect. After all, it's a tale about a man who takes on the challenge of breaking the will of a strong-minded woman in order to provide him with a subservient wife. I'm thinking this isn't exactly a plot that feminists will find particularly inspiring. But, it's important to look at things within their historical context, especially when you're going to attempt to swallow that kind of concept. St. Louis Shakespeare is currently presenting a colorful and generally engaging production that plays the whole affair rather tongue-in-cheek.

Petruccio becomes interested in marrying the feisty Katherine because he's strapped for cash and her father will provide a substantial dowry for her suitor. Besides, her sister Bianca is stuck in neutral with a long line of suitors in waiting, some in disguise to gain entrance, and all due to her father's decision to forbid her to wed before her sister does. Kate is truly shrewish in the truest sense of the word, but after they're wed Petruccio breaks her spirit by denying her food and water. Class act, huh? There's much more silliness involved, of course, but that's the gist of the plot. Somehow, it's all much more palatable and amusing than it sounds.

Suki Peters does strong work as Katherine, and the physical business between her and Petruccio, played by Andrew Keller, is inspired and funny. Keller is solid for the most part, but seems uncomfortable with the comedic touches that the director has deigned to provide for him. For example, every time he mentions his deceased father he has to remove his cap and participate in a collective "aw", and that wears thin by about the second go round. On a more positive note, Katie Puglisi is very good as Bianca, who may well be perceived as the "good daughter", but who displays a certain amount of headstrong will herself.

Standouts among the supporting cast include: Ben Ritchie as Hortensio, Aaron Dodd as Lucentio, Jason Puff as Gremio, Josh Cook as Grumio, and Rahmases Galvan as Biondello.

Director Todd Pieper opts for a whimsical presentation whereby the main action occurs on a stage that's been placed in the middle of the set, making the experience more like watching a play within a play. It's an interesting approach, and other touches, such as staging the knock down, drag out confrontation between Petruccio and Kate like a prize fight, are quite entertaining. But, the effect doesn't hold up over the long run, and unfortunately acts to create a slight disconnect with the audience. Cristie Johnston's set is playful and filled with color, and so are Alexandra Scibetta Quigley's costumes. Jonathan Lebovic and Jeff Roberts contribute nicely on lighting and sound, respectively.

St. Louis Shakespeare's production of The Taming of the Shrew continues through July 25, 2010 at the Grandel Theatre.

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