Taming of the Shrew

by Williams Shakespeare

July 2023

Theatreworks Colorado Springs

Ensemble:

Annie Barbour, Ian-Michael Minh, Adrienne Martin-Fullwood, Cheerish Martin, Iliana Lucero-Barron, Rachel Fey, Colton Pratt and Birgitta DePree

Costume Designer: Pheobe Boynton

Lighting Designer: W. Alejandro Melendez

Scenic & Props Designer: Marie Verdu

Sound Designer: CeCe Smith

Audio Engineer: Chevelier Wiggins

Birgitta DePree nominated for a Henry Award, Best Supporting Actress in a Play, Colorado Theatre Guild

Audience responses:

I loved the twist of using men as the marriageable people and the shrew. It made me realize how absurd our gender norms can be. Also, the costumes were creative and fun.

The role reversal really worked. No being highly Shakespeare fluent, I had to really concentrate, but the effort was well worth it. Congrats to Director Caitlin Lowans for a superb production.

The gender bending was especially fun, watching as a cis-hetero female. Seeing women woo men, playing with objectivity, reversal of roles and power, while juxtaposition with the Shakespearean text was enchanting.

The concept of the gender reversal was cheeky and timely, and it was executed extremely well. This performance blended the classic delivery of Shakespeare with innovative modernities such that both brought out the best in each other.

The director's choice to swap the character gender was a great idea. It changed the play, and it did in fact make listening to and hearing the words easier and better. I had wondered why this play was chosen, and now I know - and I am still thinking about it.

It was hilarious, brilliant, and extremely entertaining

I appreciated the thought that went into flipping the genders for this performance and the way that opened up the subject matter for greater dialogue after seeing the show

Captivating; brilliant twist; cheeky customs; fantastic actors

The pacing and interpretation of the talented actors made understanding the language and story easy and enjoyable. Love the low use of props, as well!

Excellent cast. I loved the creative character portrayals through language, accents and expressions. The costumes were amazing.

Loved the reversal of gender roles in this production! It created a whole new take on the play!

It was perfect and a wonderful segue to Barbie, which I saw the next day.

Photo credit: Isaiah Downing