By MaryAlice Nelson
Southwest Shakespeare Company presents The Taming of the Shrew in the Piper Repertory Theatre at the Mesa Arts Center in Mesa, Arizona. In this William Shakespeare classic, Baptista Minola (Beau Heckman) is the loving father of two daughters, one kind and fair, Bianca (Kelly Nicole); the other cruel and vile, Katherine (Betsy Mugavero). He lovingly dotes on Bianca as the favorite but can not let her entertain suitors until he has married off his eldest. They find Petruchio, a confident man, certain he can tame any broad, and the men promise to help his quest though none would dare try themselves. It is a fight to see whose will is stronger.
Katherine is the perfect balance of rage, anger, and hell. She lives up to her fiery reputation in the town as ‘cursed Kate’ and has scared everyone away upon first glance. Mugavero’s interactions with Petruchio (Quinn Mattfield) are hilarious, their quick and witty banter is delicious. Mattfield as the plucky Petruchio has charm and determination to woo Kate in an uncanny supply. Any sane man would have given up before he began. His demeanor changes through the progression of the play to tame Kate, as he knows he must be just as disagreeable as she. Only then will she bend to his beckoning. Petruchio’s servant Grumio (Phillip Herrington) is pleasantly dim and lively, bringing many laughs as he plays along with Petruchio’s game.
Bianca is the kind and caring opposite of her sister, but sass when it comes to Kate makes her interesting and fun to watch. Nicole’s elegance and charm are enchanting; it is no wonder she has a variety of suitors. First of which, is Gremio (Jim Coates), the senior neighbor who is willing to give all he has in dowry for Bianca’s hand. Coates is light on his feet and a joy to watch with his wit and candor. Next in line for Bianca is Hortensio (Clay Sanderson), cheerfully optimistic, in disguise as a musician and scholar to try to win her over. If only Lucentio (Dalton T. Davis) would stay out of the way. Lucentio is also disguised as a scholar to be able to spend more time with the fair Bianca in an effort to win her hand. Lucentio’s servant Tranio (Jeff Deglow) beguiles everyone into believing he is but his master, and arrange with her father for Lucentio to wed dear Bianca. His ever-eager attitude to please his master is quite comedic, as he always puts his best foot forward to try to fill the role he has been asked to play.
Merchant (Seth Scott) is holding his own pretending to be Vincentio (Drew Leatham) in the ruse to find favor with Baptista so his son Lucentio may become Bianca betrothed. It all is going well until the real Vincentio appears, who has good humor until being threatened with jail for telling who he is amongst all the imposters. Biandella (Breona Conrad) is a delight to watch as she rambles on about things of little importance to the dismay of others, bringing many laughs. Tailor/Nichola (Racquel McKenzie) is quite sassy, standing up to Petruchio’s ridiculous demands. Megan Lindsay through her roles as Servant/Natalia/Haberdasher/Widow shows her versatility.
Director Amie Bjorklund harnesses this troupe of actors and creates an amazing product, filled with nuance, style, fun, and some sweet (eventual) romance. She uses the entire stage and has worked with the actors until their pacing is perfect. Scenic Design by Patrick Walsh is simple yet elegant, the two-story set easily shows change in location with the turning of lights and banners. Lighting Design by Drake Dole is bright and joyful, adding to the story. Sound Design by Peter Bish was well thought through, with is a perfect balance between music and voice. Maci Cae Hosler ensures everyone looks their best with her Costume Design. The costumes are spectacular, dripping with authenticity and spice.
The Mesa Arts Center is home to four theatres. They are all adjoined in the same building. Parking may cost $5. Make sure you arrive early as parking can be limited based on how many other shows are running at the Mesa Arts Center. Concessions are available for purchase.
Make sure you don’t miss Southwest Shakespeare Company’s The Taming of the Shrew at the Mesa Arts Center. You will be laughing through the twists and turns of this classic comedy. And no spoiler alerts, but the ending will appeal to the rom-com lovers of all types. This upcoming weekend is its last, so book your tickets now.
Southwest Shakespeare Company presents The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare.
Mesa Arts Center, 1 E Main Street, Mesa, AZ
March 2, 7, 9, 2019, 7:30 PM, March 3, 2019, matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $13-$35
Contact: 480-644-6500
Southwest Shakespeare Company Facebook Page
The Taming of the Shrew Facebook Event
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