The Taming of the Shrew

 

 

 

"Darren Bridgett's Petruchio is modeled after Jack Sparrow from 'Pirates of the Caribbean,' staggering and slurring drunkenly (and mooching wine off the audience in Bridgett's own running gag)....

The pirates certainly look the part, thanks to Abra Berman's fanciful costumes....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alexandra Matthew's Bianca is a giggling, flighty coquette, wooed by Lucentio (a foppish William Elsman) disguised as a tutor while his slick servant Tranio (Mark Robinson) negotiates with her father posing as Lucentio....

 

Stephen Klum is especially strong as the high-handed, patrician Baptista, and Julian Lopez-Morillas makes a funny old coot as the aged suitor Gremio. Lucas McClure has some great moments as Petruchio's gruff servant Grumio, and Gary Grossman makes an amusing peg-legged Christopher Sly, with a new standup-style speech to introduce the pirate concept."

-- Sam Hurwitt, Marin IJ