Shakespeare's Comedy "The Taming of the Shrew" Opens at Orlando Shakespeare Theater

ORLANDO, Fla. - Sept. 12, 2013 - PRLog -- WHAT:

The Taming of the Shrew

By William Shakespeare | Directed by Jim Helsinger

SUMMARY:

The sweet and amiable Bianca can have her pick of suitors—but only once her sister, the much less charming Kate, is married off. Fortune-seeking Petruchio rises to the challenge, but can he tame this fiery-tongued shrew? Set in the tumultuous Wild West, Shakespeare's unruly comedy gallops onto the Margeson Theater stage in a lively, high-energy battle of the sexes with a couple hell-bent on confusing and outsmarting each other right up to the play's unexpected conclusion.

WHEN:

September 11 - October 6, 2013

Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m.; Senior Matinees at 2 p.m.

WHERE:

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in the Margeson Theater

John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803

CAST

Baptista…………………………………….         John Ahlin*

Priest/Taylor……………………………….         Anachebe Asomugha

Philip/Haber……………………………….          Sophie Bell

Grumio……………………………………..          Brad DePlanche*

Katherina…………………………………..          Deanna Gibson*

Widow/Joseph…………………………….          Bridgette Hoover

Tranio………………………………………          Jim Ireland*

Petruchio…………………………………..          Geoffrey Kent*

Bianca………………………………………         Melissa Mason

Hortensio…………………………………..          Chris Metz

Nicholas/Officer…………………………..          A. Ross Neal

Pedant/Nathaniel…………………………          Joel Oramas

Curtis………………………………………          Jeffrey Todd Parrott

Gremio……………………………………..          Brandon Roberts*

Lucentio……………………………………          Chris Ryan*

Vincentio…………………………………..          Ron Schneider

Biondello…………………………………...         Seth Wallen

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director…………………………………….          Jim Helsinger

Scenic Designer…………………………..          Kat Conley

Costume Designer………………………..          Denise R. Warner

Lighting Designer…………………………          Mary Heffernan

Sound Designer…………………………...          Britt Sandusky

Stage Manager …………………………...          Stacy Renee Norwood

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

Preview Dates: September 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.

Opening Night: September 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Senior Matinees: September 18 and 25 at 2 p.m.

$20 Under 30: September 20 at 7:30 p.m.

PROLOGUE SERIES

Immerse yourself into the world of Shakespeare! Starting 30 minutes before each performance, Orlando Shakes actors will lead the audience through a workshop on the plot, themes, and major characters of The Taming of the Shrew. Free for all ticket buyers! No RSVP necessary.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY

After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 10:00 p.m.) on September 13 and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary.

PLAYSHOP

School-age children can participate in a fun and creative camp during select Orlando Shakespeare Theater performances. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers' children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. For The Taming of the Shrew, the service is available to all ticket buyers on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 2 p.m. for just $15 per child.  Advance registration is required. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 for tickets and information.

PAY WHAT YOU WILL

We are celebrating our 25^th Anniversary on the 25^th of each month. Purchase any seat in the house for any amount you choose for the September 25^th performance of The Taming of the Shrew. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Box Office on the day of the performance. First come, first serve until sold out. Limited to two tickets per person.

THURSDAY TALK BACK

Stay after the performance on Thursday, September 26 for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

DISCOUNTS

Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+

Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID

Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

Single and Season Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700, online athttp://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts collaborative campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council. Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of The Taming of the Shrew is part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in participation with Arts Midwest. The Taming of the Shrew is also made possible by Carlton Fields, P.A. and Foley & Lardner LLP.