CT Free Shakespeare to perform 'Taming of the Shrew' in Stratford

Photo of Hannah Dubner by Judith Barbosa

The year 2016 marks CT Free Shakespeare's 17th year and is the 400 year anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. Artistic Director Ellen Lieberman and Producer Bert Garksof have chosen the bard's most boisterous comedy, Taming of the Shrew, to celebrate the year. This retelling and adaptation by Ellen Lieberman will have audiences of all ages whooping with glee. Those who might wonder why Shakespeare's work has endured for over 400 years won't wonder anymore.

Taming of the Shrew tells the story of a beautiful and gentle woman, Bianca who is courted by many admirers including Lucentio, Gremio and Hortensio. Unfortunately for the ingenue and her suitors, her father Baptista will not allow her to marry until her shrewish sister Katherina is wed. The suitors take matters in their own hands and persuade a fortune hunter named Petruchio to court Katherina and win her dowry - all expenses paid. Petruchio marries the reluctant "Kate" and carries her off to his country estate where he does his best to browbeat her into submission. He denies her food, sleep and her new clothes while constantly singing her praises. He "tames" her, and they come to love and respect each other. When they return to Padua, to the surprise of all, Petruchio wins a bet as to who has the most obedient wife, and Katherina lectures all on the importance of harmony in marriage. Petruchio has the last words in the play with "Come on and kiss me, Kate!" Cast: Katherina: Katrina Foy Bianca: Marca Leigh Baptista: Craig Anthony Bannister Petruchio: Ian Eaton Lucentio: Joel Oramas Hortensio: Ryan Halsaver Old Gremio: Andrew Bryce Grumio: Mark Friedlander Tranio: Uma Incrocci Biondello: Alejandro Lopez Christopher Sly: Myles Tripp Ensemble Cast/Understudies Brianna Bagley Joslyn Eaddy Austin Charles Rolando Chusan Matthew DeCostanza James Goggin Travis James Chloe Parrington Samantha Rehr Stephen Saxton Becca Schneider Katrina Sebastian Patrick Setiadi Performances take place outdoors under the stars and are only cancelled when weather is severe. It is traditional to come early and picnic. Attendees should bring a blanket or chairs. Blankets and low chairs are allowed closest to the stage. Performances are FREE. Connecticut Free Shakespeare (CFS) was founded in 2000 as an offshoot of Dandelion Productions. It is a non-profit theater company whose mission is to produce free-to-the-public professional works of classical theater in an accessible, skillful, imaginative American style that honors the playwright's language and intentions and that crafts these plays with a 21st century sensibility. CFS is committed to mounting productions that make the works of great playwrights accessible to a broad range of audiences members, including those not familiar with their work, without jeopardizing artistic integrity. Taming of the Shrew is sponsored by Actor’s Equity Association, Norma Terris-Albert Firestone Foundation, The WorkPlace and Avram and Rhoda Freedberg Family Foundation,. For more information, go to www.ctfreeshakespeare.org or facebook.com/CT Free Shakespeare.