An Exploration of Gender Expression - Taming of the Shrew

queer classics · United States of America

world premiere
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KAT MICHELS certified reviewer June 08, 2015
#SeeItLA - This is definitely a see it. It is fast-moving, funny and does a fantastic job of breaking the fourth wall and including the audience in the story from the beginning. Listen to our See It or Skip It podcast for more on that! My biggest complaint was that I really wanted to see Katherina's change be bigger earlier. We see Petruchio's change happen gradually, and see some interest shown from Katherina, but I really wanted to see her become more comfortable amongst Petruchio's merry band, and an idea that she had indeed found a place that could be home. I enjoyed the concept, I just wanted more.... full review
LUAN BUI certified reviewer June 09, 2015
Love love love. For being a 90-min performance it felt like only 30 minutes have passed. Shakespearean play simplified with a social message gender role playing. Don't blink cause you may miss some actions. The audience participation made the show that much more entertaining and interactive. Love the stage setting vs audience seat arrangement, as it felt like you're part of the show while watching the show. Go see this show. Luan... full review
HAYLEY BROWN certified reviewer June 08, 2015
tagged as: fun · thought-provoking · silly · Fast-paced
Queer Classics' Taming was an enjoyable, fascinating, and earnest romp, replete with laughs, lots of energy, and some hilarious audience involvement. I'm still digesting the gender exploration, but they managed to make the final monologue by Kate something palatable, and even touching, rather than the confusing, "Is this just really severe abuse?" reaction I have felt in past productions. The cast was strong overall, and while I usually cringe at liberties taken with the Bard with interjections, almost everything felt alright and in keeping with the tone of the show; a nice dash of irreverence. The highlights by far included bringing audience members up on stage to play fake-Vincenzio and real-Vincenzio. QC made me a fan with Earnest last ye... full review
STAN BARTOSIAK certified reviewer June 09, 2015
BARRELS OF FUN! Innovative, quick-paced, articulate, clever, raucous - In sort, QUITE A SPECTACULAR evening of theatre! BRAVO... full review
BRANDY YONEK certified reviewer June 12, 2015
This was truly entertaining. I loved how they interacted with the audience and how members of the audience became part of the play. The lack of a set really allowed me to concentrate on the play and the characters rather than being distracted. This was certainly a refreshing take on Shakespeare. ... full review
LAURA WILEY certified reviewer June 13, 2015
This is my second time seeing a Queer Classics show and what keeps me coming back is their ability to effortlessly weave in humor to classic literature and give it a modern lgbt feel. I loved all the gender bending and comedic timing of the actors. Definitely a must see this year at the fringe!! ... full review
ROBERT WALTERS uncertified reviewer June 14, 2015
What a great concept and follow through in Casey Kringlen's adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. At a time when the reality of gender fluidity is becoming more prevalent in the public eye, this show reimagines our definitions of gender roles and breaks down the barriers we inherently have imposed on us by societal norms. Performances are great, and the language is not lost upon the audience. (If you've ever seen Shakespeare performed, then you know how easy it can be to miss the mark when it comes to using the words to propel the story.) great show, don't miss it!... full review
DAVID EVAN STOLWORTHY certified reviewer June 17, 2015
I've always been a fan of Queer Classics' productions and TAMING OF THE SHREW did not disappoint! The range of sexualities and gender identities portrayed onstage was fun and intriguing to see engaging with one another on stage. A personal favorite of mine was Ryan Fisher's performance. His portrayal of an effeminate, flamboyant, heterosexual suitor to Bianca gave way to a battle of the masculinities, really throwing into perspective how delicate male heterosexuality is, as well as how easy it is to conclude that a man is gay based on the way he carries himself. The love triangle between Bianca and her two suitors/"tutors" was a great side story to the classic Pertruchio/Katherina conflict. With non-Shakespearean ad libs, audience interactio... full review
TOD MACOFSKY uncertified reviewer June 17, 2015
Queer Classics has done it again. They've taken the classic Shakespeare play and put a unique spin on it that you will never see anywhere else. This version made me look at a familiar play in a completely different light. The cast is excellent and the fast-paced direction made for a very enjoyable evening. You will never look at Shrew the same way again after seeing this production.... full review
LEE DOUD certified reviewer June 14, 2015
GREAT (and extremely diverse) cast. Unique characters and an even more unique take on Shakespeare's "Shrew". The show uses The Other Space very well and I found myself torn between which actor to give my attention to. Loved the show!!... full review