Y.'s 'Shrew' doth truly amuse

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, Pardoe Theatre, Brigham Young University, Provo, through Dec. 4 (378-4322). Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes (one intermission).

PROVO — Brigham Young University's production of William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew," is a real crowd-pleaser.

One of the clever things about this show is the setting. You are the audience in the old Globe Theater and these are Shakespeare's actors. They have no problem going into the audience and mingling with the guests.

This tight-knit troupe of actors were all fabulous with the supporting cast stealing the show at times.

Here's the story line in a nutshell. Katherine (Nicole Elizabeth Richards) is a spoiled rotten and untamed eldest daughter of Baptista (Paul Walstad). She must be wed before her younger sister Bianca (Laura Angela Pratt) is allowed to choose from her numerous suitors. Enter Petruchio (Slate Holmgren), a man needing to replenish his assets, who bargains to payment for marrying Katherine. Not only that, but he vows to tame her and make her obedient.

Besides great performances by Richards, Walstad, Pratt and Holmgren. Other memorable characters include Lucentio (Joshua Long), Tranio (Keith McKay-Evans), Hortensio (Austin Cameron), Gremio (Jason R. Purdie) and Grumio (Timothy Hall). It is Purdie and Hall who hit my funny bone.

While this is meant to be as Shakespeare intended, there were a few surprises. Keep Monty Python in mind if you go.

The dragging scene between Kate and Bianca is outrageous. Kudos to Richards, who throws Pratt over her shoulder with what appears to be great ease. The gorging on food by the "servants" of Petruchio provides several guffaws.

Adding to the show are the great costumes. The beautiful velvets, brocades and plumes contribute to the shows color and ambience, as do the wildly humorous apparel concoctions.

By all means, start your holidays off right and experience BYU's "Taming of the Shrew." Remember these are students and they are on hiatus through the Thanksgiving weekend.

Sensitivity rating: May be too intense for younger children.