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THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Will Return to Central Park With Free Performance

Philip Emeott directs the free outdoor production at Central Park's 69th St. and Central Park West.

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THE TAMING OF THE SHREW Will Return to Central Park With Free Performance

Boomerang Theatre Company has announced its upcoming revival of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, directed by Philip Emeott. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW will play a four-week limited engagement at Central Park (69th St. and Central Park West). Performances begin Saturday, June 20 and continue through Sunday, July 19. Opening Night is Saturday, June 27 (2 p.m.). Tickets are free.

Set on the lawn in the afternoon sun, this free performance digs into the play's charged themes with humor, invention, and Boomerang's trademark sense of adventure. Expect sharp banter, bold reinterpretation, and the thrill of live theatre unfolding against the backdrop of the city. Perfect for families, Shakespeare fans, and park-goers alike, this summertime tradition invites audiences to gather, laugh, and engage with a classic story in a fresh new light.

Since 1999, Boomerang has brought free Shakespeare to New York City parks and public spaces. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW continues that tradition as the company's 23rd free Shakespeare production, building on 159 performances that have served more than 21,000 audience members.

The production stars Emily Ann Banks* (Off-Bway/Regional: Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, Cuckoo) as Tranio, Katy Castaldi* (Regional: Our Town, Enchanted April, A Streetcar Named Desire) as Kate, Nikolas Elrifi (Film: Swipe Right For Danger, Saturday Bite Fever, Her Deadly Game) as Lucentio, Ryan Holmes* (The Morning Show, Back On The Strip) as The Merchant/Ensemble, Thane Madsen (Off-Bway: The Wizard of Oz, Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas) as Petruchio, Miriam Muriithi* (Off-Bway: Hot Blood Sundae) as Bianca, Tom Paolino* (Film: The Purge: Election Year, All I Wish, Underdog) as Vincentio George Pappas* (Regional: The Giver, The Diary Of Anne Frank) as Baptista, Anthony Simone* (TV: Succession, FBI, American Horror Stories) as Grumio, Tarantino Smith* (Invisible Man, Black Boy) as Hortensio, Jack Sochet* (Gotham, The Tonight Show, The Heyday Of The Insensitive Bastards) as Gremio, and Vanessa Wendt* (Penny, Kingdom Faire) as The Widow. 

“What excites me is the chance to put those contradictions onstage and invite an audience to wrestle with them together. If we can hold those tensions—and still laugh—we're doing the play justice" - Philip Emeott, Director. 

The production features prop design by Elizabeth Tarsky, costume design by Stefanie Genda, and fight direction by Vanessa Wendt. Meg Dowling is the stage manager, and Quinn Fastnow is the assistant stage manager. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.



Theater Fans' Choice Awards
2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats
Best Off-Broadway Musical - Top 3
1. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee - New World Stages
22.2% of votes
2. Mexodus - Minetta Lane Theatre
11.5% of votes
3. Bat Boy - City Center
8% of votes

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