The Taming of the Shrew
Shakespeare Tavern
through July 10, 2016

If you enjoy the work of The Bard and oft prefer comedy over tragedy, then hurry up and get in town as this one closes out their summer comedic series next weekend.

Very possibly one of the most confusing of his works, this is one of those which must have inspired others such as Moliere in later years; as so many of the players assume roles in their quest to find money and love. The story is an exercise of confusion, so don’t feel poorly should you lose your way a bit. I’d try to explain it to you fully, but it’s easier to just look it up in Wikipedia and try to recall all the facets of the plot while you enjoy the show. Or, just go and have fun.

The basic plot line is that this chap named Baptista (Doug Kaye) is a well-off gent in Padua. He’s got two daughters, and he’d like to see them wed. Alas, in those days twas the eldest who should first marry before the younger. Oops. Problem . . . his older daughter, Katherina (Dani Herd) is one tough broad, and not a happy camper. No guy in his right mind would want her. Her kid sister is Bianca (Kristin Storla) who is the object of desire of more than one man. And, they manage to induce Petruchio (Matt Nitchie) to go after the shrew by letting him know of a healthy dowry. And the action ramps up.

Needless to say, every time the characters think everything is working just fine, a door opens or somebody shows up and the you-know-what hits the fan. But, unlike Romeo and Juliet, things actually do work out in the end, and nobody dies. Under direction by Jeff Watkins, the cast of more than a dozen members of this resident company do their usual first-class job.

They’re playing to sold out houses, so you may wish to act with haste. If you’ve not been to the Tavern before, it is downtown on Peachtree Street, and you can park at a discount in the hospital garage across the street. They are a real tavern, and they do serve up pub grub with aplomb. So show up at least a half hour afore the show begins and get a pint and whatever and enjoy the evening. More info and tickets are at ShakespeareTavern.com