There's no shortage of suitors for the lovely Bianca, but no one wants her evil-tempered sister, Kate. Unfortunately, Bianca's father insists she can't be married until Kate has been properly hitched...and Kate swears wild horses couldn't drag her to the altar. If this all sounds familiar, perhaps you saw Theatre Huntsville's modern-day musical version of "the Shrew" in"Kiss Me Kate."The version playing at The Renaissance Theatre is an adaptation by Bob Baker and Loren Bacon. It's the tradition story of the father favoring his younger daughter, who is "sweeter than perfume" over his older daughter who is mean-spirited and possesses a scolding tongue. In fact, any man who would marry her would be considered a fool and to be "married to hell."
Cydney Thomson gives another wonderful performance as Katherine. Here she has another role with a lot of fiery temper and physical acts, as she did in the Huntsville Community Chorus production of Molly Brown. George Kobler stands up to Kate with a steel resolve and detached emotions. He sets out to woo her, marry her and then tame her. Modern women of today may not like the whole premise of this Shakespearean play, but it is still an entertaining show and shouldn't be missed. More photos and review on next page.
Cast members include:
Jerry Puckett as Baptista
Katherine Penton as Bianca
Cydney Thomson as Katherine
Donny Becht as Gremio
Henry Thomson as Hortensio
Kevin O'Brien as Lucentio
Shawn Tracey as Tranio
Kimberly Clark as Biondello/The Widow
George Kobler as Petruchio
Loren Bacon as Grumio
James Owens as Vincentio/Curtis/The Tailor
William Hubscher as Pedant
Gary Blair as The Servant
Produced and directed by Bob Baker and Loren Bacon
