November 20, 2014 The Swinging Bridge
Arts & Entertainment 11
By Olivia La Bianca STUDENT WRITER
I
f you have visited Climenhaga Building recently, you might have seen the gigantic hearts hanging from the ceiling reading “Compli-kated”. This is because TheTaming of the Shrew is currently being performed by the Messiah College Department of Theatre and Dance, with shows Nov. 20-23 in Climenhaga Building Miller Theatre. The famous Shakespeare play will be getting a modern makeover. According to the event description: “The story of Kate and Petruchio’s unlikely romance will be told through the icons and idioms of popular culture, in which their relationship will be portrayed as – to borrow a popular idiom – ‘complicated’.”
“This ‘pop art’ rendition of the classic Shakespeare comedy will neither sidestep nor offer apologies for its cultural controversies,” said the event description. “The play will be set in New York’s ‘Little Italy’, where a supporting cast of bold and colorful stereotypes will drive the plot at break-neck speed.” Senior, Mary Finch, who will play the character of Grumio, talked about
what makes this version of Taming of the Shrew special. “Tom Ryan, our director, has found a way to make this play relevant to modern audience, by incorporating the stereotypes of our modern age creating not only a different interpretation, but also a great show. I am not sure if there have been any other productions that set the action in modern day Little Italy, but there definitely has never been one by this group of people, with this dedication and passion for creating an amazing show.”
been coming together in just these past few weeks, is breathtaking and it does some really cool stuff with the help our dedicated stage hands … Our actors are all brilliant not only individually, but collectively and with their relationships with each other. There are some really hilarious moments, some really dramatic moments, and some really romantic moments … It would be absolutely impossible to pick just one.”
Publicist Sarah Goldy-Brown said that the publicity team would love to hear feedback about the show, and are There were obstacles along the way, not encouraging people to utilize the hashtag least grappling with the renown of the “#ThisIsHowWeShrewIt” when posting text itself. Finch has asserted, however, anything about the show on social media. that Ryan has had “an amazingly complete vision for this production”. Performances will be tonight through Sunday, with the Thursday, Friday, and “His enthusiasm has been infectious to Saturday shows at 8 p.m. and Sunday’s this cast, and as a result I have no doubt show at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at it will spread to the audience as well.” the Ticket Office, by phone at 717-6916036, or online at www.messiah.edu/ What should the audience be most excited tickets, costing $7 for students with about? In Finch’s opinion, everything. ID and $10 for General Admission. For more information, look for “The show! The set! All of it! I honestly informational posters around campus believe that we […] are making a fantastic or visit the Messiah College Department production. The set design, which has of Theatre and Dance Facebook page.
The cast of Taming of The Shrew rehearses in Miller Theater.
Photos by Katie Piette
1. NOVEMBER 21,25
A MOST WANTED MAN
2. DECEMBER 5,6 THE LUNCHBOX
3. DECEMBER 12,13 GARDIANS OF
THE GALAXY