Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ to show in Batavia
Submitted by Shakespeare on Clark
Shakespeare on Clark will put on William Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” on July 27-29 and Aug. 3-5, 10-12 on Clark Island in downtown Batavia. Friday and Saturday shows begin at 7 p.m. and Sunday shows begin at 6 p.m. There is no charge for admission to the shows on Clark Island, but donations to support the arts are always greatly appreciated. There is an added production date at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9 in Lombard’s Lilacia’s Park as they hope to “put the Bard back into Lombard.”
This classic play deals with Baptista Minola, faced with several suitors for her daughter Bianca, who is widely regarded as sweet and lovely. However, Baptista is adamant that no one will win Bianca’s hand in marriage until someone marries her older daughter, Katherina, who is widely considered to be hostile and ill-tempered. Hortensio is one of Bianca’s hopeful suitors and welcomes his old friend Petruchio to town. Petruchio has come in search of a wife and Hortensio informs him of Katherina’s situation, as well as warning him about her volatile personality. Petruchio and Katherina’s first meeting takes verbal sparring to a new level, as Katherina insults and slaps him. Undaunted, Petruchio accepts Baptista’s dowry and sets about marrying Katherina, who is at first resistant, but then makes no further objections to the match. Meanwhile, Hortensio has two main rivals for Bianca: Gremio and Lucentio. The latter is a wealthy young man instantly taken with Bianca. Lucentio and his servant Tranio agree on a plan that Lucentio will pose as a tutor for Bianca while Tranio will pose as Lucentio. As this plan goes into effect, Petruchio has a plan of his own. He will behave in an increasingly volatile and confounding manner to Katherina as well as to any others in the vicinity. His antics make Katherina’s past exploits seem tame by comparison. Denying Katherina food, suitable clothes and sleep in the name of “love,” Petruchio hopes to alter her ill temper. For a while, Petruchio’s servant Grumio bears the brunt of Katherina’s frustration to comic effect. More hilarity ensues when Lucentio’s father Vincentio arrives with Tranio pretending to be Vincentio’s son. Come witness the dust settle and see if Petruchio’s boast of “and where two raging fires meet together, they do consume their fury” comes true.
The part of Katherina will be played by Mary Nigohosian of Batavia, and Carl Zeitler of Glen Ellyn appears as Petruchio. Lucentio will be portrayed by August Anderson of Batavia, and Bianca will be played by Glynis Gilio of Batavia. Appearing as Hortensio is Ted Holste of Clarendon Hills. Baptista will be played by Emily Champlin of Naperville. Stacey Garbarski of St. Charles will be playing Tranio. Grumio will be portrayed by Jerome Urbik of North Aurora. Dennis Stewart of Streamwood appears as Gremio. Vincentio will be played by Steve Delchamps of Batavia. Margie Gustafson of Lombard portrays the Tailor and the Widow. The part of Biondello will be played by Michael Cook of Oswego. Matt Heine of Batavia will appear as Pedant. Mandy Barnes of Geneva, William Evansen of Batavia, David Rittenhouse of Geneva, and Molly Wagner of St. Charles round out the cast as servants.
“The Taming of the Shrew” is directed by Julane Sullivan. Lynn Meredith serves as assistant director. Costume design is done by Laura Dwyer. Craig Gustafson is in charge of sound design. Scenic design is done by Chuck Palia. Ryan Stassell is in charge of graphic design. This show is produced in cooperation with Batavia Main Street, Batavia Park District, All Dressed Costumes and Batavia Arts Council.
For information, visit www.jesterscourtyard.com/shakespeare-on-clark.html.