The Taming of the Shrew

Performing Arts Center university at albany State University of New York

2023-24

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The University at Albany sits at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk rivers on the traditional lands of the Kanien’keháka and Muh-he-con-neok people, who stewarded this land for generations before the arrival of European colonists. The Kanien’keháka (People of the Flint) and Muh-he-con-neok (People of the Waters that are Never Still) are more commonly known today as the Mohawk Haudenosaunee and StockbridgeMunsee Band of Mohicans. Despite the similarity of their westernized names, the Mohawk and Mohican were culturally and linguistically distinct.

The UAlbany community recognizes that we live and work on the homelands of sovereign Indigenous nations with rich histories and cultures that continue today – both within New York and beyond.

As an institution devoted to teaching, scholarship, and service, we strive to understand and learn from our history and to affirm Indigenous rights and issues. To this end, we are committed to cultivating reciprocal relationships with Indigenous communities focused on equity, social justice, and sustainability – and dismantling legacies of colonization.

Visit the UAlbany Performing Arts Center website at

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Photo: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

for a full listing of this season’s events.

UAlbany Theatre Department of Music & Theatre College of Arts and Sciences presents

The Taming of the Shrew by

William Shakespeare Directed by

Ryan Garbayo Music Coordinator

Elizabeth Gerbi Scenic Design

Nora Marlow Smith Costume Design

Anne Croteau Lighting Design

Jared Klein

Stage Manager

Shruthi Sunil Technical Direction/Production Manager

John Knapp

This production is made possible with the generous support of The John Orser ’55 Theatrical Endowment, the Futterer-Gould Fund, and University Auxiliary Services.

A Note from the Director The Taming of the Shrew was first performed between 1590 and 1592, and it was a hot-button domestic comedy even back then. The play has survived over four centuries but has been performed much less frequently, as gender dynamics have evolved throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

On the surface, the play is a lesson to a drunken buffoon on how to make unruly women “tractable and mild.” It’s no wonder that audiences have soured on the themes. But I keep asking myself: have things really changed, in our currently political landscape?

I've been around a lot of incredibly kind, supportive men—and also, a ton of toxic masculine behavior. When I'm in an overly macho environment I find myself pulled in two directions: I want to say something and challenge it, but there’s also the simmering desire to belong and be seen as one of the dudes.

Our production is performed by a company of mostly femaleidentifying actors. It has been wonderful to watch these young artists take on the cloak of masculinity, cast in roles that they might otherwise never get to play, as they learn to embody male archetypes.

The play ends with a surprising and heartbreaking conclusion. My hope is that by watching these very funny but low-brow comedic characters — played mostly by women — the audience may ask themselves if they should be laughing. Or if these jokes are even funny to begin with? ~ Ryan Garbayo Music arrangement by Matt Citron.

Curtain speech translated by Bard, a collaborative AI tool developed by Google.

Special thanks to Lu Glassberg, and Skidmore College Theater Department.

The Company Vincentio/Second Player

ALLISON KRAWCZYK

Lucentio

DEASIA CLARK

Tranio

MARILYN FEERICK

Biondello

MADISON RIVERA

Gremio

LARA BEHN

Hortensio

STEPHEN PIAZZA

Baptista

SHANELL WEST

Katherine

JEWEL WINANT

Bianca

DAVANI MELENDEZ

Petruchio

ISABEL SANCHEZ

Grumio

AMANDA SPRINGER

Curtis/First Player/Pedant

SAMARAH KIRSCHBAUM

Nathanial/Tailor

HONOR KILPATRICK

Peter/Haberdasher

ZOEY CAHILL

Innkeeper/Widow

GABBY VILLANUEVA

Christopher Sly

JACOB BELL

Lord

GODSWILL UTIONKPAN

Huntsman 1

JAYLEN ADISON

Huntsman 2

BRYAN ANTINORE

Bartholomew

LUIS LOWERY

Production Team Scene Shop Supervisor…………..…………………………….JOHN KNAPP Costume Shop Manager………………………………... ANNE CROTEAU Associate Costume Designer……….………………………. LAUREL IZZO Assistant Lighting Designer……….………...…………. LIBBY HINSHAW Technical Assistant……….………...………………….…. MAX CONAWAY Assistant Stage Manager………………………..… JASMINE WEIDMAN Assistant Master Electrician………………..…………. NAT SCHULMAN Marketing & Promotions Associate…………………. NIA SAMERSON Light Board Operator………….……………..…....….… AVERY LUENING Wardrobe Crew Supervisor……………...…..…… SAMANTHA LANDY Wardrobe Crew…………………………….…...…..…… ARIANNA BOZAC, BRIA KNOX, CHRISTALENE MIRTIL, OMARI SMITH Stage Crew……………………….…………………………... CATHERINE CHEN, JADE GUARRIQUES, JERMAINE MOORE Costume Shop Technical Assistant………………………..LAUREL IZZO Costume Shop Crew/Costume Construction…....… AJA AGOSTO, CATHERINE ALESIO, ARIANNA BOZAC, DASHA HEGEMAN, LAUREL IZZO, HONOR KILPATRICK, SAMANTHA LANDY, KAMERYN MARTIN, TATIANA PRICE, PERSEUS SALAZAR, RACHEL ULRICH Prop Assistants……………………………..……… HEAVENLEE GONZALEZ, HAILEY PRESTON, OTTO VAVAL Scene Shop Technical Assistants…………………………...JACOB BELL, NATHAN COOPER, MINSEO KOO, AVERY LEUNING, ESTHER LEVINE, NAT CHULMAN Scene Shop Crew…………………………………………….……… CAT BRADY, ESTHER LEVINE, DREW SHERMAN, AMANDA SPRINGER, LAYLA ST JEAN Scene Shop Lab Students……………………… COLEEN CHAMBERLAIN, BENJAMIN GERCHICK, ALISHA LAI, YOONA LEE, JOHANNA LEVITT-DINDAS, FREY MATTHEW, JERMAINE MOORE, MOLLY O’TOOLE, JAY ROBINSON, CAROLINA THOMAS, HALEY VALVAL, GABBY VILLANUEVA, JAYDON VINEYARD, RYAN WILCOX

Who’s Who JAYLEN ADISON (Huntsman 1) is a Cybersecurity major and Theatre minor at UAlbany, originally from Queens. This is Jaylen's third Theatre Program production, after The Piano Lesson (Wining Boy) and The Glass Menagerie (Understudy for Jim). This production is a bittersweet experience for him since it will be his last at the University, as a graduating senior.

BRYAN ANTINORE (Huntsman 2) is a Theatre major with an Acting minor at UAlbany. He performed in multiple shows with the BARC community theater in his hometown of Ballston Spa and was assistant director/assistant stage manager for a production of Little Shop of Horrors with the Not So Common Players in Clifton Park. Bryan has been on wardrobe crew for UAlbany productions of RENT and The Glass Menagerie. He is thrilled to be making his performing debut here with this production.

LARA BEHN (Gremio) is a junior majoring in Communication and double minoring in Theatre and Business. She is originally from Hamburg, Germany, and came to UAlbany to study and play Field Hockey. This is her first production at UAlbany, and she’s extremely excited to be part of it and to work with such a talented cast. Lara would like to thank everyone who made this possible. She can’t wait for you to see the production!

JACOB BELL (Christopher Sly) is a junior at UAlbany with a major in Theatre and minors in Musical Theatre and Sociology. In past Theatre Program productions, Jacob has appeared in The Glass Menagerie (Tom Wingfield) and RENT (Mark Cohen). Jacob is very excited to be a part of this powerful production and would like to dedicate this performance to his Uncle Jim. He also would like to thank his mother, father, sister, and grandma for their support. He hopes you enjoy the show!

ZOEY CAHILL (Peter/Haberdasher) is a sophomore Theatre major at UAlbany. She is very excited to be a part of the cast, her second Theatre Program production, after understudying for Amanda Wingfield in last semester’s The Glass Menagerie.

She has been a part of more than 50 shows in her lifetime, most notably working with Berkshire Theatre Group, Berkshire Children’s Theater, and BCC Players. She thanks her family and friends for constantly supporting her in doing what she loves.

DEASIA CLARK (Lucentio) is a senior at UAlbany majoring in Economics with a minor in Business, and is simultaneously working towards her Master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration. Deasia has been a part of numerous Theatre Program productions, such as Josephine in the New Play Arena, Before War in FRESH ACTS, RENT, and Clyde’s. Deasia loves the performing arts; she began playing the saxophone in the fifth grade and has been playing ever since! Deasia would like to thank everyone who has supported her thus far and sends a round of applause to her cast and crew.

MARILYN FEERICK (Tranio) is a senior from the Bronx double majoring in Theatre and English and minoring in Acting and French.

She could not be happier that her final performance at UAlbany is a Shakespeare play, as she is very passionate about acting his works. Previous roles include Twelfth Night (Viola), The Glass Menagerie (Laura), A Midsummer Night's Dream (Starveling), The Wolves (#13), RENT (Ensemble), and Six Scenes in a Theatre (Samantha). She is incredibly grateful to her family as well as the cast, crew, creative team, and all Theatre professors and mentors she has had the pleasure to work with at Albany.

HONOR KILPATRICK (Nathaniel and The Tailor) is a Junior majoring in Theatre and minoring in Acting, from Dobbs Ferry, NY. Past credits include The Wolves (#8), Heathers (Heather

McNamara), Twelfth Night (Villager and Maude Belch u/s), and There Was a Dent Here It's Gone Now (Deborah). She would like to thank her family, friends, and the entire cast and crew!

SAMARAH KIRSCHBAUM (Curtis/First Player/Pedant) is a Sophomore at UAlbany, originally from Long Island. She is majoring in Human Development and minoring in Theatre, and this is her first time participating in a Theatre Program production. Previous roles in high school include Mimi in Check, Please; Mordcha in Fiddler on the Roof; and Mrs. Corry in Mary Poppins.

ALLISON KRAWCZYK (Vincentio/Second Player) is a Theatre major and Musical Theatre minor at UAlbany, originally from Buffalo, New York. This is her third show at UAlbany, and her first Shakespearean production. She appeared in Theatre Program’s production of RENT (Ensemble) last spring, and Musical Theatre Association’s production of Heathers (Martha Dunnestock). Previously in Buffalo, she was in Chicago (Velma Kelly), Les Miserables (Madame Thenardier), and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey). She is excited to be a part this cast, creating something amazing!

LUIS LOWERY (Bartholomew) is a senior at UAlbany double majoring in English and History. This is is third Theatre Program production, after playing Doaker in The Piano Lesson last year, and understudying for Montrellous and Rafael in Clyde’s this fall. Luis is originally from Middletown, New York, and transferred to UAlbany in 2022 after receiving his associate degree from SUNY Orange. Luis has a love for literature and playwriting and is excited to be making his Shakespearean acting debut. He is very thankful for the opportunity and is very excited to be a member of this cast!

DAVANI MELENDEZ (Bianca) is making her Shakespearean debut with this play. Originally from Queens, she is currently a junior studying Communications and Theatre at UAlbany. She most recently starred as Mimi in last year’s Theatre Program production of RENT. She is extremely grateful for her friends and family’s support and would like to thank everyone involved in this production, and her Theatre professors for always pushing her out of her comfort zone.

STEPHEN PIAZZA (Hortensio) is a first-year student at UAlbany, intending to major in History with a minor in Human Development. He is originally from Mount Kisco, NY, where he worked on high school productions that include Young Frankenstein (2020), Something Rotten! (2022), and SpongeBob the Musical (2023).

He also won his high school's round of the 2022 National Shakespeare Competition, playing the role of Edmund from King Lear.

MADISON RIVERA (Biondello) is a Theatre major and Musical Theatre minor and is beyond excited to be a part of another production here at UAlbany. Previously Madison appeared in the Theatre Program’s production of RENT as Alexi Darling/Sue, as well as the Musical Theatre Association’s production of Heathers, as Stoner Chick. She wants to thank her family for always being her number one supporter; without them, she would not have become the person and actor that she is today. She can't wait for everyone to enjoy this unique rendition of The Taming of the Shrew!

ISABEL SANCHEZ (Petruchio) is ecstatic to be performing in another UAlbany Theater Program production! She is a senior with a double major in Human Development and Theater and a minor in Acting. Isabel recently made her professional acting debut in a production of What the Constitution Means to Me at Capital Repertory Theater. UAlbany theater credits: The Wolves (#46), How We Survived (Dana), Emotional Assortment (Salem),

Sixty Seconds to Midnight (Ruth), Twelfth Night (Maria), and There Was a Dent Here, It’s Gone Now (Sue Newman). Her recent short film credits include Laser-Focused, Al Otro Lado, CStudent, Rookie Card, and Unconditional.

AMANDA SPRINGER (Grumio) is double majoring in Theatre and Africana Studies at UAlbany. Amanda performed in plays throughout high school. She has also been a stage crew member for the Theatre Program’s productions of RENT, last year, and The Glass Menagerie, this fall. This production marks Amanda’s UAlbany performing debut!

GODSWILL UTIONKPAN (Lord) is a senior at UAlbany majoring in Informatics (Software Development) and minoring in Theatre.

His first role performing in a Theatre Program production was in the spring 2022 FRESH ACTS festival. He was also the Assistant Director of The Piano Lesson in the fall of 2022. Most recently, he played Benny in last spring’s musical RENT and the character of Montrellous in Clyde’s this fall.

GABRIELLE VILLANUEVA (Innkeeper/Marian and the Widow) is a sophomore Theatre major with a minor in Acting, making her UAlbany theatrical debut with this production. Gabby has loved the art of acting for years and is thrilled to be performing alongside incredibly talented actors in this emotionally charged and thought-provoking story.

SHANELL WEST (Baptista) is a graduating senior at UAlbany, originally from the Bronx. Previous Theatre Program roles include Letitia in Clyde’s, Bernice in The Piano Lesson, Valentina in Twelfth Night, and Virtue in the New Play Arena’s production of Josephine. Shanell is sad to be leaving, but grateful for the experiences she has gained as a Theatre Major here. She would like to thank all her friends, family, and cast for their support.

JEWEL WINANT (Katherine) is thrilled to be playing Kate in this production of Taming of the Shrew. She is currently a UAlbany junior majoring in Theater and Psychology with a minor in Acting. Some of her past roles include Amanda in the Theatre Program’s production of The Glass Menagerie last semester, as well as Sherlock Holmes in Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose and Cootie in Moonchildren. She would like to dedicate this performance to her uncle Hank Berrings for sparking her passion for this play, through his ties to the 1999 Broadway production of Kiss Me, Kate.

SHRUTHI SUNHIL (Stage Manager) is a senior, majoring in Theatre and Psychology at UAlbany. This is the fifth Theatre Program production she has worked on, after A Dream Play, Twelfth Night, The Piano Lesson, The Glass Menagerie. She will also be directing in FRESH ACTS this spring. Shruthi is an international student, from Bangalore, India, and has been involved with theater since high school. This is the second show that she is stage managing, and she is so happy to be working with such an amazing cast and crew!

JASMINE WEIDMAN (Assistant Stage Manager) is a first-year student at UAlbany, majoring in Theatre. She previously stage managed The Addams Family and was assistant stage manager on Newsies at her high school. Last semester she was Assistant Stage Manager on the Theatre Program’s production of The Glass Menagerie.

RYAN GARBAYO (Director) is Visiting Assistant Professor of Acting in the Theatre Program at UAlbany. As an actor he has performed extensively in New York and on many of the nation’s most noted theaters. Off-Broadway: This Space Between Us (Keen Company); The Government Inspector, The School for Scandal, ‘Tis Pity She’s a Whore, and Loot (Red Bull Theater).

Regional: A Christmas Carol (Hartford Stage); Twelfth Night (St. Louis Shakespeare Festival); Native Gardens (Denver Center); Much Ado About Nothing (Shakespeare Theatre of DC); Suddenly Last Summer (Westport Country Playhouse); Pride and Prejudice (Pittsburgh Public Theater); Amadeus (Maltz Jupiter Theater). Television: “Lioness,” “Law and Order: SVU,” “Elementary,” “The Good Wife,” and “Person of Interest.” Professor Garbayo has held faculty positions at the University of Miami, Professional Performing Arts School, and New York Film Academy. He received his BFA from Emerson College, and MFA from NYU’s Graduate Acting Program.

ANNE CROTEAU (Costume Designer) is UAlbany Theatre Program's Costumer, designing costumes and supervising student designers for the production season. She also teaches courses in theatrical design and costume construction, runs the costume shop, and coordinates production practicum. Previous costume design credits at UAlbany include RENT, The Piano Lesson, Eurydice, Spring Awakening, and Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Professional theatre credits include the American Repertory Theatre; Huntington Theatre Company; Utah Shakespeare Festival; Costume Works, Inc.; Krannert Center for the Performing Arts; Saratoga Children’s Theatre. Anne is the owner of Dress You Up, a custom bridal and formal gown design studio in Ballston Lake and is a member of the Board of Directors for Not So Common Players of Clifton Park. She holds an MFA in Costume Construction and Design from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, and a BA in Theatre from UAlbany.

ELIZABETH GERBI (Music Coordinator) has served on the faculty of SUNY New Paltz and Dutchess, and The American University, and currently teaches at SUNY Schenectady, Southern Utah University, Union College, and UAlbany. A proud graduate of Columbia University (EDCT, ME) and Boston University (MME),

Dr. Gerbi has collaborated on nearly 200 musical productions across the country. Favorite recent projects include music directing The Snow Queen at the Ancram Opera House; accompanying masterclasses for Broadway performers Lisa Howard and Lindsay Mendez; and mentoring developing educators through EdTA, NYSTEA, NETC, ATHE, and MTEA. LIBBY HINSHAW (Assistant Lighting Designer) is a D.C.-based lighting designer and technician. She is currently the Light Board Operator and Assistant Master Electrician at the Folger Shakespeare Library. Previous lighting design credits include After Jane (Co-Designer), Silent Sky, Los Vendidos, and Bamboo Box at the Skidmore JKB Theater; and Driving Miss Daisy and Shout! The Mod Musical at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse. Libby holds a BS in Theater and a BA in Psychology from Skidmore College.

JARED KLEIN (Lighting Designer) is an Artist-In-Residence and the Technical Director for the Skidmore Theater Department.

Most recently he designed and directed [RE]MAKING, a devised work based on the texts of Charles Mee. Select lighting design credits at Skidmore include Eurydice, Somewhere, Radium Girls, The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other, We Used to Wear Bonnets & Get High All the Time, 33 Variations, Let the Right One In, Balm in Gilead, Fragments, Who Will Carry the Word, Our Town and Blood Wedding. Select visiting artist design collaborations include Joel Mellin, Phil Soltanoff, Joe Diebes, Sara Juli, Howard Fishman, STREB, SITI and NYSSSA Dance.

Previously Jared was the Production Manager/Technical Director for BRIC Arts Media Brooklyn. He also spent six years as the Technical Director/Resident Designer for the Tech and Design program at Adelphi University. In addition, Jared has 20 years of professional experience as a Technical Director, Lighting/Video Designer, and Production Manager for both theatrical and industrial design companies throughout the U.S. and Europe.

JOHN KNAPP (Scene Shop Supervisor/Technical Director) holds a BA in Theatre from UAlbany. He has been part of the team of students and artistic colleagues for approximately twenty-seven years, helping to build roughly 100 productions at UAlbany.

John’s designs include The School for Scandal, Cloud 9, My Children! My Africa!, Miss Reardon Drinks a Little, The Importance of Being Earnest, and In the Next Room. John doubles as the Theatre Program’s Archivist. In 2006 John started collecting documents (photos, programs, posters, etc.) to create a digital archive of Theatre at the University. We now have over 110 years of known Theatre history at UAlbany. If you have memorabilia that relates to theatre here, please contact John at: jknapp@albany.edu NORA MARLOW SMITH (Set Designer) is a New York-based scenic and costume designer, who this year joined the Theatre Program as Visiting Assistant Professor of Scenic Design. Most recently her design for Clyde’s could be seen onstage. Nora holds an MFA in Stage and Costume Design from Northwestern University and a BA in English from Mount Holyoke College.

Previous works include: Fort Huachuca and Bloodshot with SHE NYC, Come Here to Me at the Tank, Carmen in the 1920’s and The Little Prince with Ballet Co. Laboratory, The Life and Deaths of Alan Turing with Chicago Opera Theater, Myths and Hymns and The Misanthrope at Amherst College, RENT and Pipeline at OCP, Being Chaka with Téa Artistry at the New Ohio Theater, Erastes with the Wild Project, Wake...Sing at IRT, Dance Nation and Fun Home at Northwestern University, Grand Rounds at LaMama Experimental Theater Club, and more. Nora is the 2022 recipient for the Michael E Merritt Award for Excellence in Design and Collaboration. www.noramarlowsmith.com @noramarlow Support UAlbany Theatre www.albany.edu/theatre www.Facebook.com/UAlbanyTheatre

Theatre Program Administrative Staff Theatre Program Director/Producer…………............KATE WALAT Head of History, Literature & Criticism………….ESZTER SZALCZAR Department Administrative Assistant…..….BERNADETTE SOCHA Administrative Services ..............................................PAC STAFF Theatre Faculty & Staff Professor..........................................................ESZTER SZALCZER Associate Professor.................................................KATE WALAT Visiting Assistant Professors………………………….…ANNE CROTEAU RYAN GARBAYO NORA MARLOW SMITH SHAUN PATRICK TUBBS Instructional Support Associate..............................JOHN KNAPP Adjunct Instructors………………………………..……..…... ELLEN CRIBBS ELIZABETH GERBI JOSEPH HAN MICHAEL HANNON AMINA HENRY ASHLEY-SIMONE KIRCHNER ANGELA LEDTKE STEVEN MADORE CHRISTOPHER MAXWELL YVONNE PERRY Coming Soon FRESH ACTS April 10-13, 2024 This spring festival of brand-new plays is written, directed, and performed by students...the future of the American theatre!

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Performing Arts Center university at albany State University of New York

HOUSE POLICIES Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the management and its staff. .

The use of photographic or recording devices of any kind during most performances is strictly prohibited. .

There is no food or drink allowed in the theatres, nor is smoking allowed in UAlbany buildings. .

To avoid disrupting the performance, kindly disable any noise making electronic devices you may have with you. .

Please take time to note the location of the fire exits nearest to you. In the event of an emergency, an announcement will be made from the stage. Please proceed to the nearest exit in an orderly fashion.

Created and produced by the University Art Museum, NYS Writers Institute and UAlbany Performing Arts Center in collaboration with WAMC Northeast Public Radio, this popular series features leading figures from a variety of artistic disciplines in conversation about their creative inspirations, their craft and their careers. “Roundtable” host Joe Donahue conducts live on-stage interviews followed by a Q&A with the audience.

Dance Albany 2023-24

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See all of these performances for only $110!

Dayton Contemporary Dance Co October 20 Passion Fruit Dance Co November 4

Performing Arts Center university at albany State University of New York

Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Co December 2 Photo: Dayton Contemporary Dance Company

Mark Morris Dance Group January 25 Ellen Sinopoli Dance Co with Capital Trio - January 27 * Monica Bill Barnes & Co February 3 No Gravity Theatre February 9 Savion Glover April 13 Ellen Sinopoli Dance Co May 18 Packages also available for choice of five or three at 25% or 10% discounts, respectively.

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* This show is free and does not factor into package pricing.

Packages available through The Egg Box Office at the Empire State Plaza or by calling (518) 473-1845

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