William Shakespeare’s racy comedy centers on the wooing of Katherina (Kate) by a young adventurer from Verona, Petruchio, who attempts to court and transform the headstrong “shrew.” Kate’s younger sister, Bianca, is beautiful, sought-after and seemingly obedient, but she cannot marry before her older, surly sister.
Nelson Sheeley, the director of production, arrived at Sinclair in 2006. He is a graduate of the Yale School of Drama, a 2007 DayTony winner, and has experience directing “Something’s Afoot,” “Little Shop of Horrors,” and “Taking Steps,” to name a few.
“It’s a funny, filthy sex farce,” said Sheeley. “And if you know that, and come to it, then you’ll have a great time.”
Directing “The Taming of the Shrew” for the second time in his career, Sheeley said that among the many interesting aspects of the play, it also offers the two extremes of courtship, the idealistic and googly-eyed wooing of Bianca, and the battling between Kate and Petruchio.
This year, along with this late 16th century Shakespeare classic, Sinclair’s Theatre department will also produce three other plays: two contemporaries, “A Plague of Angels” and “Intimate Apparel” and a musical, “Godspell.”
Interim Chair of the Theatre & Dance Department and “The Taming of the Shrew” producer, Gina Neuerer, said that variety is an obligation in the experience and education of students within the Theatre Department.
A classic piece is scheduled into production along with contemporary work to give a breadth of exposure to students.
With four productions planned this academic year, Neuerer described each play and its respective classification as being part of a puzzle that must come together as a balanced production season.
“The main characters in all these shows are spirited,” said Neuerer. “They are fighting for something.”
Sheeley said that with only a handful of performers coming from outside Sinclair to play older roles, the majority of the cast is playing their own age, and he feels that this will only add to the fun.
Isaac Hollister, who plays Petruchio, said that the cast is getting along great, and that the play’s content actually demands that the actors be comfortable with one another.
Performance majors are required to audition, but it is not a closed-casting process and any Sinclair student or community member is welcome to audition.
Students also work behind the scenes, getting hands-on experience learning about the many aspects of theatre production, from lighting and construction to costume design.
For the 2011-2012 season, Sinclair Theatre won 27 DayTonys last August.
“We are very proud because actually what I have is a stack of awards that I give to the students, said Neuerer. “The most important thing to me is that it’s an opportunity for the students to get recognized. That, for us, is the best part of being a part of the DayTonys.”
Sheeley said that younger people shouldn’t feel intimidated about attending a show and they shouldn’t allow a false impression that this is a snobbish art form or let dress code worries deter them from attending a show. All one really needs to do is remember to be courteous, turn off the cell phone and enjoy.
“There’s nothing like it,” said Sheeley. “You cannot replace live theatre with movies or television. It is a thing unto itself, and everybody should give it a go.”
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for seniors, students and Sinclair employees.
For more information regarding ticket sales, visit www.sinclair.edu/arts/theatre/box-office or call (937) 512-2076.