The classic battle of the sexes tale,The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare, takes the stage during Northern Arizona University’s final theater production of the season starting April 21.
“This was one of Shakespeare’s favorite comedies,” said Bob Yowell, a professor in the theater department. “It’s a rowdy farce known for its rich language.”
The Taming of the Shrew is the story of two impossible people learning how to love each other.
This production stays true to Shakespeare’s original story and rich language. It begins with a drunken bum, Christopher Sly, played by Mac Adee, who passes out in a local tavern and is tricked into believing himself a wealthy nobleman who has been asleep for 15 years. A traveling company arrives to perform a play in celebration of his recovery. Eventually, Sly joins his own play in a madcap romp with many comic characters and shenanigans.
“This is a farce that includes the dream of Sly and the story of two headstrong people who realize they are absolutely matched and find peace, love and happy life together by learning to depend totally on each other,” said Mac Groves, director and theater professor.
Sly’s dream is brought to life through the classic story of Katherine, played by Sarah Nowicki, and Petruchio, played by Cy Brown, whose stormy courtship and hasty, disastrous wedding turns into a deep and heartfelt connection. The two come to learn to “play the game” of life together and surprise everyone by finding true wealth and happiness through devotion to each other.
More than 20 theater students are in this production, with costumes by Kate Ellis, assistant professor, scenery by Patrick Battles, assistant professor, and lighting by Ashley Johnstone, theater student.
The Taming of the Shrew will be performed in NAU’s Clifford E. White Theatre at 8 p.m. April 21-23 and 26-29, with matinees at 3 p.m. April 22 and 23. Tickets are $11 for general admission, $10 for faculty, staff and senior citizens, and $8 for NAU students. Call NAU Central Ticketing at (928) 523-5661.