BWW Reviews: Synetic Teens Take on TAMING OF THE SHREW

Last year, I was wowed by the Mainstage Synetic Theater production of The Taming of the Shrew, the eighth installment in the company's popular 'Silent Shakespeare' series, which I reviewed for another website. When it was announced that the Synetic Teen Ensemble would take on this same piece only with minor adaptations, I wondered how it would work. Under the direction of Alex Mills (Senior Company Member and Grumio in the original production), and Irina Tsikurishvili (Original Choreographer and Kate in the original production) with assistance from other original cast members, the twenty two member cast of extraordinarily talented teenaged actor/dancers, do indeed make it all work - and more. The production rivals something one can see adults do.

Shakespeare's 'Shrew' of course, is the story of sibling rivalry, love where/when you least expect it, and mistaken identities. In Synetic's case - as in the previous production - the story is set not in ancient Italy, but in a modern day Hollywood of sorts with all of the bright, eye-popping fashion one might see there (costumes by Anna Blanchard and Corey Searless Dunn). To that end, the importance of being seen, noticed, and admired is played up even more. As the teens in this fantastical land take on these larger-than-life characters, they prove that they have not only a solid sense of what the story is about, but what motivates the characters. Above all, they clearly understand what it means to entertain; they have the ability to do so in spades with acting/dancing talents that defy their young ages.

While it would be impossible to call out the contribution of every member of the large cast, I will say there's no weak link among them and that it's hugely apparent that they all have a future in the theatre. I would be remiss to mention a few highlights. Maddie Osborn (Bianca) continues her streak of being a star in Synetic teen productions. Her Bianca is sassy, confident, and necessarily filled with self-love. Whether paired with one of her numerous potential lovers or her polar opposite sister, Kate/Katherine (Elise McDonnell), she has a magnetic presence and plays off her scene partners in a way that not many older actresses can do. McDonnell's Kate is a contrast and she is every bit as mean/intense, and prickly as one needs to be to take on this iconic character. Her dancing is powerful, intricate, and commands attention at all times.

Other standouts include Jade Uyeda-Trackman as Grumio. Ms. Uyeda-Trackman, like Osborn, has impressed me in her other Synetic teen performances, but she rises to a new level here and proves she's not only a magnificent dancer, but also a master physical comedian. Michael "Misha" Ryjik's take on Petruchio is also noteworthy for his attention to emotional detail and well-rounded performance. He can do it all - play for laughs, demonstrate anger with the ever exasperating Kate, or show his tender side - all well dancing quite well.

Additionally, Gwendolyn Torrence (Tranio) made me take notice every time she took the stage. Her flexible dancing ability, athleticism, and hugely theatrical facial expressions - as well as natural understanding of the role of her character - make her one to watch to be sure. Nicholas Cadby-Spicer (Hortensio) and Jason Noone (Lucentio) also prove they can play for laughs.

When this solid acting is combined with successful production elements (largely modeled after the original) - particularly Konstantine Lorpkipanidze's original rocking music and Brittany Diliberto's lighting design (original by Colin K. Bills) - the end result is something to be seen. In this production, one can see future Synetic stars emerging.

Running Time: 90 minutes with no intermission.

Synetic's Teen Taming of the Shrew plays through April 14, 2013 at Synetic Theater in Crystal City - 1800 S. Bell Street in Arlington, VA. Tickets can be purchased at the box office one hour prior to each performance or online.

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