Orlando Shakespeare Theater Brings Wild West To Central Florida In "The Taming Of The Shrew"

ORLANDO, Fla. - June 27, 2013 - PRLog -- Orlando, FL – Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is pleased to present Central Florida audiences with a fresh take on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. Set in the Wild West and directed by Orlando Shakes Artistic Director Jim Helsinger, The Taming of the Shrew begins September 11 and runs through October 6, 2013 at the John and Rita Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park. Tickets, priced at $17-$40, are on sale now at (407) 447-1700 (tel:%28407%29%20447-1700) orhttp://orlandoshakes.org.

The sweet and amiable Bianca can have her pick of suitors—but only once her sister, the much less charming Kate, is married off. Fortune-seeking Petruchio rises to the challenge, but can he tame this fiery-tongued shrew? Set in the tumultuous Wild West, Shakespeare's unruly comedy gallops onto the Margeson Theater stage in a lively, high-energy battle of the sexes with a couple hell-bent on confusing and outsmarting each other right up to the play's unexpected conclusion.

“I'm really looking forward to directing Taming of the Shrew,” Helsinger said. “We have never done the play set in the Wild West, and I think it is a perfect setting for a rootin' tootin' trick shot shootin' version of this battle of the sexes! Let’s saddle up and ride!”

This isn’t Orlando Shakes’ first time at this rodeo. The Taming of the Shrew, chosen to open the Theater’s 25th season, has been produced during two other historic milestones. “This is the first play that Orlando Shakes ever produced in 1989,” said Helsinger. “It is also the play that opened our Shakespeare Center in 2001 and I think it is the perfect play to kick off the celebration of our 25th season.”

The Taming of the Shrew features John Ahlin as Baptista, Brad DePlanche as Grumio, Deanna Gibson as Katherine, Anne Hering as Widow, Jim Ireland as Tranio, Geoffrey Kent as Petruchio, Melissa Mason as Bianca, Brandon Roberts as Gremio, Chris Ryan as Lucentio, and Ron Schneider as Vincentio, with other principal and supporting roles to be announced at a later date. The creative team includes Scenic Designer Kat Conley, Costume Designer Denise R. Warner, Lighting Designer Mary Heffernan, and Sound Designer Britt Sandusky.

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION AND RELATED EVENTS

PROLOGUE SERIES
Immerse yourself into the world of Shakespeare! Starting 30 minutes before each performance, Orlando Shakes actors will lead the audience through a workshop on the plot, themes, and major characters of The Taming of the Shrew. Free for all ticket buyers! No RSVP necessary.

OPENING NIGHT PARTY
After the show, audience members are invited to celebrate with the cast, crew, designers, and Orlando Shakes staff at the Opening Night Party. The party begins after the show (approx. 10:30 p.m.) on September 13 and everyone is invited. No RSVP necessary.

PLAYSHOP
School-age children can participate in a fun and creative camp during select Orlando Shakespeare Theater performances. Led by Orlando Shakes Actor/Educators, theatergoers' children ages 5 to 12 will enjoy supervised arts and crafts, play educational games, and maybe even learn a song or dance. For The Taming of the Shrew, the service is available to all ticket buyers on Sunday, September 29, 2013 at 2 p.m. for just $15 per child.  Advance registration is required. Call the Box Office at (407) 447-1700 (tel:%28407%29%20447-1700) for tickets and information.

PAY WHAT YOU WILL
We are celebrating our 25^th Anniversary on the 25^th of each month. Purchase any seat in the house for any amount you choose for the September 25^th performance of The Taming of the Shrew. Tickets must be purchased in-person at the Box Office on the day of the performance. First come, first serve until sold out. Limited to two tickets per person.

THURSDAY TALK BACK
Stay after the performance on Thursday, September 26 for an informal Q & A with the cast and members of the design team.

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Preview Dates: September 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Opening Date: September 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Senior Matinees: September 18 and 25 at 2 p.m.
$20 Under 30: September 20 at 7:30 p.m.

TICKET INFORMATION

DATES AND PRICES
Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 2 p.m. – all seats $35, $30, $20
Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. – all seats $40, $35, $30

DISCOUNTS
Group Sales: 20% off groups of 10+
Student Rush: $12 - 30 minutes prior to show w/ valid student ID
Military/Student Price: $10 off single ticket prices

Single and Season Tickets are available by calling (407) 447-1700 (tel:%28407%29%20447-1700), online at http://www.orlandoshakes.org, or in person at the Box Office located inside the Lowndes Shakespeare Center, 812 East Rollins Street in Orlando’s Loch Haven Cultural Park.

Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF is supported by United Arts of Central Florida with funds from the United Arts campaign and by State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council. Orlando Shakespeare Theater's production of The Taming of the Shrew is part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in participation with Arts Midwest. The Taming of the Shrew is also made possible by Carlton Fields, P.A. and Foley & Lardner LLP.