THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Pardoe Theatre, Brigham Young University, Provo, through Dec. 4; (378-4322); running time: two hours, 45 minutes (one intermission).
PROVO — Brigham Young University's production of William Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" is a real crowd-pleaser.
It is one of the bard's most popular comedies, and this cast has turned his script into pure gold with over-the-top body language, character interpretation and delightful humor. Hence, when Petruchio admonishes "thou knowest not gold's effect," the effect is this — the audience leaves worn out from laughter!
One of the clever things about this show is the setting itself. You are the audience in the Old Globe Theatre and these are Shakespeare's actors. They have no problem going into the audience and mingling with the guests.
This tight-knit troupe was fabulous. However, leads beware, at times the supporting cast steals the show right out from under you.
Here's the storyline in a nutshell. Katherine (Nicole Elizabeth Richards) is a spoiled rotten and untamed eldest daughter of Baptista (Paul Walstad). She must be wed before her younger sister Bianca (Laura Angela Pratt) is allowed to choose from her numerous suitors. Enter Petruchio (Slate Holmgren), a man needing to replenish his assets who agrees to take a payment for marrying Katherine. Not only that, but he vows to tame her and make her an obedient Kate.
Besides great performances by Richards, Walstad, Pratt and Holmgren, other memorable characters include Lucentio (Joshua Long), Tranio (Keith McKay-Evans), Hortensio (Austin Cameron), Gremio (Jason R. Purdie) and Grumio (Timothy Hall). It is Purdie and Hall who hit my funny bone.
While this is meant to be as Shakespeare intended, there were a few surprises. Keep Monty Python in mind if you go. The dragging scene between Kate and Bianca is outrageous. Kudos to Richards who throws Pratt over her shoulder with what appears to be great ease. The gorging on food by the "servants" of Petruchio provides several guffaws.
Adding to the show were the great costumes. The beautiful velvets, brocades and plumes contribute to the shows color and ambience; as do the wildly humorous apparel concoctions.
By all means start your holidays off right and experience BYU's "Taming of the Shrew." Remember these are students, and they are on hiatus through the Thanksgiving weekend.
Sensitivity rating: May be too intense or too long for younger children.
E-mail: pugmire@desnews.com