The Place: Padua, Italy, or Las Vegas
The Time: 1594, or 1964, or 2024
In one of Shakespeare's most problematic but compelling comedies, Petruchio sets out to woo and wed Katherine, a fiesty and independent woman who resists his increasingly outrageous advances. Set in a parallel world that looks suspiciously like 1960's Las Vegas, this streamlined and fast-paced version of "The Taming of the Shrew" incorporates music, dance, and hilarious comic lazzi to upend your expectations about who is who and what is what, and celebrate the true spectrum of gender identity and romantic relationship! Grab a cocktail, get on those go-go boots, and come and join the party by the pool under the flashing neon lights and swaying palm trees!
The Taming of the Shrew
By William Shakespeare
- Adapted & Directed by David R. Gammons
- Choreographer: Rebekah Dawn
- Text, Voice & Speech Director: Natasha Staley
- Intimacy & Violence Director: Cara Rawlings
- Dramaturge: Stephanie Gardner
- Scenic & Props Designer: Kerry Lee Chipman
- Costume Designer: Hollie Neumann
- Lighting Designer: Gabrielle Henry
- Sound Designer: Allen Sanders
- Wig & Makeup Designer: Justin Buontempo
- Stage Manager: Leah Tucker
- Production Manager: Stacy Blackburn
- Technical Director: Ayana Giardina
FEATURING:
- Lucentio, suitor to Bianca: Shea Irvin
- Tranio, servant to Lucentio: Han Ramroop
- Biondello, servant to Lucentio: Michael Anthony
- Baptista Minola, mother to Katherine & Bianca: Nana Owusu-Ansah
- Katherine, her elder daughter: Virginia Ames Tillar
- Bianca, her younger daughter: Aryan Mathur
- Gremio, suitor to Bianca: Thomas Disharoon III
- Hortensia, suitor to Bianca: Maria Gilbert
- Petruchio, suitor to Katherine: Luke Dangel
- Grumio, servant to Petruchio: Brooklyn Harris
- Priest & Tailor: Jay Cediel
April 16–20, 2024
Virginia Tech
School of Performing Arts
Studio Theatre, Squires Student Center
Blacksburg, Virginia
Photos coming soon!