Taming of the Shrew
Summer Theatre of New Canaan
Shows | Review
"The Taming of the Shrew" is one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies
Review by Tom Nissley for the Ridgelea Reports on Theatre, CT Critics Circle
The audience at the Gala opening of the Summer Theatre of New Canaan got an extra treat when New Canaan's Jim Ely took the stage as a guest actor. Deep voice, grand gestures - it was hard to believe that he had not rehearsed the role, but in fact we think his inspired performance was spontaneous. And really top grade.
"The Taming of the Shrew" is one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, about an older sister, Kate (Katherine Malak), with a hot temper, who must be married before her younger sister, Bianca (Faith Bryck), can be. No suitor will come near to Kate - many are vying for attention from Bianca. When a tall and handsome, but impoverished, Petrucio (Michael Chmiel) learns about Kate, he seizes an opportunity, through a gamut of behavioral gimmicks, to convert her to a docile woman, and "they all live happily ever after."
Ms. Malak is a superb nasty woman, and Mr. Chmiel is a convincing Petrucio. The production was directed by Allegra Libonati, whose use of physical theatre becomes even more of a legacy with this company. Other superb actors include Mace Perlman, Omen Sade, Brian Silliman, Dorothy Abrahams, Chrstian Libonati, Terence MacSweeny, Michael Nathanson, and Jed Peterson.
The tent home of this wandering company is well placed in a corner of Waveny Park reached through the main parking lot of the New Canaan High School, and Patrick Lynch' set on its floating stage works very well for the telling of the story. Costumes, by Arthur Oliver, which range from high fashion Italian gowns to low fashion punk, are fascinating, and the lighting, designed by Jeffrey Whitsett, and the sound, by David Turner, are exemplary.
The Summer Theatre of New Canaan holds a special place in the hearts of many persons in the community. Other productions this summer include a children's version of "Shrew," the tale of Pinnochio, and in mid-July, the musical, "Camelot." You can read about dates and times at www.stonc.org. Go and enjoy the show(s).