Written by Brooke Bang
“The Taming of the Shrew” is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies, though many would consider this a romance above all else. Whatever your persuasion, the Utah Shakespeare Festival has delivered a show that is worthy of the Shakespeare banner. Of two beautiful sisters, the younger Bianca is soft-spoken and demure. The older Katherine is haughty and outspoken. True to times, the younger sister cannot accept suitors until the older sister is wed. The problem? No one will date “the shrew.” Along comes a particularly persistent suitor who realizes if he wants the woman of his dreams, he must provide a mate for the older sister. Enter Petruchio. In need of the large dowry promised to Katherine’s husband, he accepts the task to tame the wild demon.
“The Taming of the Shrew” is a great introduction to Shakespeare, with minimal characters, no confusing side plots, and an easy-to-follow storyline that make it an ideal choice for spouses who don’t like to attend live theater. If you’re a bard veteran, a few noteworthy points making this adaptation stand out are the director, Fred Adams—founder of the festival—and Brian Vaughn, festival veteran and longtime fan favorite. Together, Vaughn and Adams have created a refreshing version of a well-known show. The sometimes difficult-to-capture language of Shakespeare rolls off the tongue of Vaughn as the words come alive with his punctuated physicality. He doesn’t just speak the words, he helps you see them.
Starring opposite Vaughn is Melinda Pfundstein, who plays Katherine with a natural arrogance. An offstage couple, Vaughn and Pfundstein deliver a chemistry that takes the viewer right into the hearts of the characters.
The entire cast was noteworthy, but keep an eye on Aaron Galligan-Stierle, who plays Petruchio’s servant, Grumio. His comic timing is a wonderful thing to behold. Just when you think he is playing the fool, you realize he might be the only one who knows what’s going on.
A man among men, Petruchio has somehow learned the art of taming a shrew and does so with enough love that Katherine is converted to a doting wife. This is one of the most heartfelt, true versions of “The Taming of the Shrew” this reviewer has seen and is one not to be missed.
Grade: A
For more information on “The Taming of the Shrew” or the Utah Shakespeare Festival, visit www.bard.org.
