Some mischievous 16th century characters of Renaissance Italy will be coming to life in Rockport beginning tomorrow night.
The occasion is the Theatre in the Pines' outdoor production of Shakespeare's rollicking comedy "Taming of the Shrew".
The show is filled with wit, slapstick, farce and romance, said director Nan Webber.
"What's interesting about this production is that I'm doing it in the original version," she said.
The show opens with a drunken tinker, Christopher Sly, who finds his way to a nobleman's house and passes out cold.
"The nobleman, who is a practical joker, comes along with his two huntsmen and decides he will have a wonderful time with this. He tells his men to take the tinker, dress him as a noblemen and tell him he is a lord and has been asleep for 15 years," said Webber.
In the piece, the nobleman decides to have his page dress in a woman's dress and wig to pretend he is the tinker's wife to his further amusement.
"At that time, a group of players arrive on the scene hoping the nobleman will have theatrical work for them," Webber said. "The nobleman wants them to put on a play for this fellow at his house. So what happens is the audience then sees the 'Taming of the Shrew' through Christopher Sly's eyes. So we have a play within a play. And that's how Shakespeare intended it."
The Theater in the Pines' synopsis of the "Taming of the Shrew" notes that the young Petruchio (Tom Rash) pursues the tempestuous Kate (Heidi Pulkkinen), while a swarm of suitors vie for the attentions of her seemingly submissive sister, Bianca (Marcy MacKenzie). The hot-tempered Petruchio sets out to tame the fiery Kate with resulting fireworks of mind and body. The stage erupts with the high jinks of the couple, the subplots of the devious suitors, the conniving servants, and the play within the play, along with music, dance and song.
The Rev. Ronald Gariboldi is among the local cast and crew of 25 residents who are part of the show.
"The camaraderie of this group is amazing," he said. "It's a wonderful experience with a lot of caring among all the cast members. No one is there to be the star, but each one is there to do the show with all their heart. The best experience in theater is the sense of community and relationships that form while preparing for a show."
Webber, who described this show as "energetic," noted that the production's final scene raises the question about who is really tamed — Kate or Petruchio, or both.
Gail McCarthy may be contacted at gmccarthy@gloucestertimes.com
Taming of the Shrew
What: Theater in the Pines presents "Taming of the Shrew"
When: The show takes place over two weekends, opening tomorrow, with other performances Aug. 1, 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 2 at 4 p.m.
Where: Windhover Center for the Performing Arts at 257R Granite St. (Route 127), in Rockport.
Tickets are good for any night and no reservations are required. Performances are outdoors. In case of rain, performances will be held indoors. Tickets are available at Toad Hall Bookstore in Rockport and The Bookstore in Gloucester and at the door. Adults: $15, Seniors, $12, and Students, $10. For more information, call 978-546-3611.
The Cast:
Christopher Sly — Chuck Francis.
A Lord — Brian Sullivan.
A Torchbearer — Michael Sullivan.
Huntsman/Servants — Nathan Cruz, Randy Dupps.
Servant Mariah — Sue Sousa.
Servant Lucia — Barbara Brewer.
Servant Theresa — Carol Mac Kenzie.
Servant Sugar Sop, Michael Sullivan.
Bartholomew — Ryan O'Connor.
Page — Fiona Prentice.
Baptista — Martin Ray.
Vincentio — Father Ronald Gariboldi.
Lucentio — Jonathan Arnold.
Petruchio — Tom Rash.
Gremio — David Prentice.
Hortensio — Michael Carter.
Biondello — Karl Pulkkinen.
Tranio — Ian O'Connor.
Grumio — Rory Mac Kenzie.
A Pedant — Sarah Clark.
Katharina — Heidi Pulkkinen.
Bianca — Marcie Mac Kenzie.
A Widow — Sue Sousa.
Tailor — Randy Dupps.
Haberdasher — Steve Rask.
Artistic director, Nan Webber; technical director, Frank Wolcott; stage manager, Sarah Clark; assistant stage manager, Christine Lima; lighting, Sarah Bowling; wardrobe mistress, Carol Mac Kenzie; props mistress, Ellen Carter.
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