Taming of the Shrew

About this recording

The Taming of the Shrew is one of Shakespeare's earliest comedies, and was inspired by classical Roman comedy and the Italian commedia dell'arte. Baptista Minola, a rich gentleman of Padua, has two daughters: Katherina, renowned for her sharp tongue, and Bianca, who is sought after by multiple suitors. Baptista decides that Bianca cannot marry until her elder sister finds a husband. Enter Petruchio, who has come to "wive it wealthily in Padua," and who is convinced by Bianca's suitors to woo Katherina. The play ultimately poses the question of who is the bigger shrew: Kate or Petruchio. The subplot involves the subterfuge employed by Lucentio to woo the lovely Bianca. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett)

Cast:

Lord: Bob Sherman

Christopher Sly: David Lawrence

Hostess, Widow: Neeru Iyer

Page: Arielle Lipshaw

Players, Tranio, Nicholas: Elizabeth Klett

First Huntsman, Peter: Glenn Simonsen

Servant, Haberdasher, Nathaniel: Laurie Anne Walden

Baptista Minola: Ernst Pattynama

Vincentio: Mark F. Smith

Lucentio: mb

Petruchio: Bellona Times

Gremio: Rat King

Hortensio: Miriam Esther Goldman

Biondello: Matthew Ward

Grumio: Denny Sayers

Curtis: MGVestal

Pedant: Tom Hackett

Katherina: Kristin Hughes…

• Comedy