Baltimore Shakespeare Festival’s Shrew Opens in the Meadow

Baltimore Shakespeare Festival (BSF) continues its 15th anniversary with Master Shakespeare's ribald comedic classic, The Taming of the Shrew. This is BSF's second show in its 2008 Summer Season, sponsored by COMCAST, in the Meadow at Evergreen Museum and Library, 4545 N. Charles Street, Baltimore. Performances are July18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27, 31, August 1, 2, and 3. 

Shakespeare in love—and war! And what a war it is as Kate and Petruchio wage a battle of the sexes for all time. The Taming of the Shrew as Shakespeare meant the story to be told. Join Christopher Sly as he gets swept up in the action of one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies. Joining Petruchio and Kate in this bawdy tale of love and conquest are Lucentio, a young man of Pisa, who with his servants Tranio and Biondello must overcome many obstacles to win the hand of Bianca, Baptista's beautiful daughter and Kate's demure younger sister. Standing in Lucentio's way is Baptista's unmarried eldest daughter, head strong Kate, and Bianca's other suitors, Hortensio and Gremio.  

The Taming of the Shrew director Joe Brady returns to the Meadow having directed Cyrano de Bergerac for BSF in 2002. Mr. Brady is an Artistic Associate with BSF.  

The Taming of the Shrew cast includes Baltimore Shakespeare Festival's former artistic director, James Kinstle*, as Petruchio; Everyman Company member, Dawn Ursula*, as the feisty Katharina. Familiar to BSF audiences will be Bruce Nelson* as Tranio, Tim Marrone* as Vincentio; Colby Codding* as Hortensio; Christine Demuth as Bianca; Reece Thornberry as Grumio and Alex Zavistovich as Baptista. Joining BSF for the first time are Michael Stebbins* as Pedant, Peter Boyer* as Gremio, Peter Kendall as Lucentio and Cherie Weinert as The Widow. 

The Taming of the Shrew opens Friday, July18 and runs through August 3.  All show times are 8:00PM, except Sunday, 7:00PM. General admission is $25, and senior/student admission is $20. Tickets can be purchased with cash or check at the door or pre-ordered with a credit card by calling 410.366.8596 or by visiting www.baltimoreshakespeare.org.  All tickets are $15.00 on Thursday Evenings.

As always, the grounds are open two hours prior to each performance. Picnics are welcome and parking is free! 

Come and enjoy two versions of The Taming of the Shrew on the same evening. BSF's Summer Camp performance of The Taming of the Shrew will take place in the Meadow on July 26th at 5:30 PM-just before the professional production. Enjoy the energetic 45 minute production created by the summer camp actors under the direction of Baltimore Shakespeare Festival's teaching artist, Courtney Weber.

*Denotes member Actors' Equity Association

Photos courtesy of Baltimore Shakespeare Festival.  All photos are of James Kinstle and Dawn Ursula, members of Actor's Equity Association.