`TAMING OF THE SHREW' UNLEASHES LAUGHS : THE FACTS.Byline: Victoria Giraud Special to the Daily News With the renaissance of Shakespeare in film and on stage, come see what the hoopla hoop·la n. Informal 1. a. Boisterous, jovial commotion or excitement. b. Extravagant publicity: The new sedan was introduced to the public with much hoopla. 2. is all about as ``The Taming of the Shrew shrew, common name for the small, insectivorous mammals of the family Soricidae, related to the moles. Shrews include the smallest mammals; the smallest shrews are under 2 in. (5.1 cm) long, excluding the tail, and the largest are about 6 in. (15 cm) long. ,'' a first-rate comedy performance by the California Shakespeare Company, is presented for two more weekends. ``The Taming of the Shrew'' is a delightful romp, full of boisterous humor and animated performances expounding ex·pound v. ex·pound·ed, ex·pound·ing, ex·pounds v.tr. 1. To give a detailed statement of; set forth: expounded the intricacies of the new tax law. 2. upon courtship and marriage. The timeless concept was intriguing enough for a Broadway musical and the film ``Kiss Me Kate,'' and later still made into a film starring Elizabeth Taylor Noun 1. Elizabeth Taylor - United States film actress (born in England) who was a childhood star; as an adult she often co-starred with Richard Burton (born in 1932) Taylor and Richard Burton Noun 1. Richard Burton - English explorer who with John Speke was the first European to explore Lake Tanganyika (1821-1890) Burton, Sir Richard Burton, Sir Richard Francis Burton 2. . In the Italian town of Padua, the rich Baptista (the skilled Ronald Rezac) is trying to marry off his two daughters - the younger, appealing Bianca (a beguiling Jennifer Bledsoe) and Katharina, the shrew (played with vivacity by Jennifer Grimes). Baptista will not let the popular Bianca make a match until the scolding, foul-tongued Kate is wed. Suitors for Bianca include a foolish old man, Gremio (a sly performance by Peter Janosi); Hortensio (the amusing Robert Bezanilla); and the clever Lucentio (a well-rounded performance by Jason Thomas). Lucentio feels he can win Bianca's hand by outwitting the others and disguising himself. He trades places with his servant, Tranio (the sparkling Roberta Raye), who portrays the wealthy master while Lucentio transforms himself into a teacher for Bianca. Fortune-hunting Petruchio (a roguish rogu·ish adj. 1. Deceitful; unprincipled: Set adrift by his roguish crew, the captain of the ship spent a week alone at sea. 2. Playfully mischievous: a roguish grin. , hearty performance by Don Schlossman) has come ``to wive wive v. wived, wiv·ing, wives v.tr. 1. To marry (a woman). 2. To provide a wife for. v.intr. To marry a woman. it wealthily in Padua,'' and is undeterred by tales of Kate's cruel tongue. Others think him crazy, but he has method to his madness and by play's end has accomplished his purpose. Petruchio marries Kate and outmaneuvers her. Acting more outrageously than her while constantly proclaiming his love and support, he eventually tames her. Humor comes from all sorts of characters in this playful piece and especially from servants like the naughty Grumio (the hilarious Aubrey Loots) and the capricious Biondello (divertingly played by D. Hunter White). Others in this entertaining, talented cast include Jeanie Hays as Curtis, Tailor and a Widow; Audrey Mathieu as a Messenger and Hayseed; and Erin Russ as Sugarsop. James S. Green
James Stephen Green (February 28, 1817 – January 19, 1870) was a United States Representative and Senator from Missouri. and Michael Jorgan are compelling in their portrayals as a Merchant and Vincentio, respectively. What: ``The Taming of the Shrew'' When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; through Dec. 15. Where: California Shakespeare Company, 6685 Princeton Ave., Moorpark. Tickets: $15; $12 for students and seniors. Information: (805) 498-3354. |
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