Photo Flash: Ericka Ratcliff, Matt Mueller and More in Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks' TAMING OF THE SHREW

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) presents THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, now through August 19. Check out production photos of the cast onstage at the opening below!

Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks is inspired by the open-air setting in which Shakespeare's plays were originally performed more than 400 years ago, and Joseph Papp's 20th century American initiative that brought free Shakespeare to urban communities. Beginning its summer tour on July 29 through each of the Park District regions, a traveling production of The Taming of the Shrew will continue to be presented throughout Chicago. A specially equipped truck will roll into each park, a stage will unfold, and a company of professional actors will perform. Parks scheduled to be visited, rain or shine, include: South Shore Cultural Center, Tuley Park, Dvorak Park, Austin Town Hall Park, Humboldt Park, Douglas Park, Gateway Park at Navy Pier, Welles Park, Garfield Park Conservatory, Ridge Park and Frank J. Wilson Park.

Visitors to the parks will enjoy a 75-minute, daylight production of Shakespeare's enduring comedy about the battle between the sexes. The wildly spirited Kate and the machismo-driven Petruchio will scream, fight and woo their way into one another's heart in Shakespeare's verse and Elizabethan dress, underscored with original rock-inspired music to connect contemporary audiences with the characters' journeys.

Adapted and staged by Jeff Award-winning director Rachel Rockwell, Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks production of The Taming of the Shrew features Ericka Ratcliff, performing the role of strong-willed Katharina and Matt Mueller performing the role of Katharina's sparring partner, Petruchio. The Acting Company also includes: Jeffrey Baumgartner, Tiffany Yvonne Cox, Max Ganet, José Antonio García, Eric Leonard, Kate LoConti, Robert Joseph Miller, Matthew Sherbach, Mick Weber and Jarrod Zimmerman.

For more information on Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks, visit www.chicagoshakes.com/parks.

Photo credit: Michael Litchfield

Petruchio (Matt Mueller) and Katharina (Ericka Ratcliff)

The celebration of the marriage of Katharina (Ericka Ratcliff) and Petruchio (Matt Mueller)

Baptista Minola (Robert Joseph Miller) pronounces a match between his daughter Katherina (Ericka Ratcliff) and Petruchio (Matt Mueller) as Gremio (Mick Weber ) looks on.

Petruchio (Matt Mueller) carries off his bride Katherina (Ericka Ratcliff).

Bianca (Tiffany Yvonne Cox) is tutored by two suitors, Hortensio (L: Matthew Sherbach) and Lucentio (R: Jarrod Zimmerman)

More than 700 people came to South Shore Cultural Center on Sunday, July 29 to view the inaugural performance of Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: The Taming of the Shrew.

More than 700 people came to South Shore Cultural Center on Sunday, July 29 to view the inaugural performance of Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks: The Taming of the Shrew.