Arts & Entertainment

The wild west

Shakespeare production works well in Folger variation

Published

14 years ago

May 10, 2012

‘The Taming of the Shrew’
Through June 10
Folger Theatre
201 East Capitol Street, SE
$39-$65 (discounts available)
202-608-1719

From left, Danny Scheie, Cody Nickell and Kate Eastwood Norris in ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ at Folger Theatre. (Photo by Jeff Malet courtesy Folger)

It was while watching the HBO series “Deadwood,” writes/director Aaron Posner in the program notes for Folger Theatre’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” that he first became inspired to set his production in the American West, circa 1890. While Posner admits it’s not a totally original take on the Bard’s battle of the sexes — it’s been done before — the move from Padua to the Old West works: the raucous, defiant aspects of Shakespeare’s early comedy translate quite nicely.

Because Posner has dropped the play’s official Induction, a cute framing device that establishes “Shrew” as a play within in a play, his fast-paced and funny production jumps quickly into the unconventional courtship of fortune-hunting gambler Petruchio and Katherine, the ornery shrew (played by real life husband and wife Cody Nickell and Kate Eastwood Norris). At first, Katherine wants no part of love and marriage, but through an assortment of carefully executed psychological and physical tortures Petruchio remarkably alters her into the most obliging of wives.

Norris’ Katherine is a sort of hard-drinking, pistol-packing Calamity Jane for whom a future of happy domesticity seems impossible or a real longshot at best; but, again, Petruchio’s abuse works wonders in tempering Katherine’s obstinate disposition. Yes, it’s all very sexist stuff, but Norris is a smart actor with a deft touch, and her transformation from shrew to obedient wifey is nuanced — it’s more about discovering love and finding a new way to live.

Similarly, Nickell’s charming Petruchio is clearly smitten with his Kate, and it’s a love that proves sincere. When he outfits his bride in elegant new duds, Petruchio strives to please by giving her pants and a beautiful pair of black boots complete with spurs. And after proving his wife’s changed nature in a high stakes bet, he hands the winnings over to Katherine. The pair is a team, and it bodes well for a happy and equal marriage.

The comedy’s secondary romantic subplot involves a complicated competition between the suitors of Katherine’s younger more desirable sister, Bianca (Sarah Mollo-Christensen). Her eager wannabe husbands are played by Marcus Kyd, Craig Wallace and Thomas Keegan. Katy Carkuff is a standout as a boozy, well-off widow. James Gardiner and gay actor Danny Sheie play the comic servants.

In a nod to the changing roles of frontier women, Posner has made some intriguing gender-bending choices. The part of Katherine and Bianca’s father Baptista has been changed to a same-named, marriage-brokering mother played by Sarah Marshall, who’s gay. Her Baptista is comically reminiscent of the silver screen types played by Jo Van Fleet and Mercedes McCambridge: Prosperous, independent, tightly wound and willing to level a shotgun when necessary.

The traditionally male Tranio, a clever servant who goes undercover for his master, is also female for this production. As Tranio, Holly Twyford (also gay), swaps out a dull long dress and petticoat for a dapper copper suit and jauntily worn boater. Tranio’s put on squared-off shoulders and masculine walk are belied by touching instances when Twyford reveals the vulnerable young woman beneath the phony moustache, and these are lovely moments indeed.

Tony Cisek’s set is a two-tiered saloon made from roughly hewn wood. Through its swinging doors lie endless plains and big sky. Helen Q. Huang heightens the effect of her beautiful period costumes with subtle flourishes of fancy, freeing them from being too overly moored to time and place.

Additionally, singer/songwriter Cliff Eberhardt in the role of “The Blind Balladeer” performs his bluesy, witty, heartfelt tunes intermittently throughout the play. It’s a wonderful touch that entertainingly trains the spotlight on the characters’ intentions and passions.

At the top of the show, we’re told the evening will end “after [the players] dance.” It’s a promise kept. Posner closes the play with an old fashioned rousing line dance, sending the audience off with a big shot of the Wild West, fun and romance.

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Don’t miss summer productions at Clear Space in Rehoboth Beach

‘Cher Show,’ ‘Pretty Woman’ among season’s standouts

Published

4 hours ago

August 10, 2026

Peter Rosenstein

Abby Lynne and Caetano de Sá (Photo by Deny Howeth)

“The Cher Show” at Clear Space Theatre is wonderful. I am always amazed at the talent they attract for their summer series. Kudos to Wes Drummond, the artistic director of the theater. “The Cher Show” is written by Rick Elice. Compliments to the talented director, James FitzSimmons, who brought to life this production. His immensely talented cast includes Shannen Hofheimer as Star, Breanna Lemerise as Lady, Abby Lynne as Babe, and Anya Kay, as young Cher. Each is a pleasure to both watch and listen to. They command the stage. Then more kudos to the entire cast and ensemble. Also, the creative team, which includes among so many who make this show a hit, choreographer Shondelle Graulich; scenic designer, David Chappell; lighting designer Brendan Smith; costume designer Valerie Beardsley; and the entire orchestra led by conductor, Jerry Birl.

But the actor who I was looking forward to seeing in the production, was a young actor I had written about, and reviewed, when I saw him at Clear Space two years ago. In this production he is Sonny Bono, and he definitely didn’t disappoint.

Let me introduce Caetano de Sá. I have written about him before, but his resume is worth repeating. It says; Height: 5’7 ½, Eyes: Brown, Voice part: Tenor G2 – C5, Build: Athletic. All true. Then you add to this he speaks Brazilian Portuguese, is certified in stage combat by the Society of American Fight Directors, and is a 2^nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. Then as his resume of roles confirms, he can act, sing, and dance with the best. He does a great job as Sonny and is fun to watch on stage. Here he displays his talents as a singer and actor, and they are as good as I remembered them when I first met Caetano while he was still in school in 2024, and was starring as Frankie Valli in “Jersey Boys,” at Clear Space. At the time he was a rising senior at the Boston Conservatory at Berklee BFA Musical Theater program. I interviewed him, and Harry Sperduto, who played Tommy Devotee, after seeing them in the show, and being amazed by their talent. Since that time, I have followed their careers. When I heard Caetano was coming back to Clear Space for the summer, I reached out, and he agreed to sit down and chat, which we did. I knew Clear Space Theatre was planning a busy summer season. Their lineup of shows included “The Cher Show,” “Mean Girls,” and “Pretty Woman.” They always have talented casts, including the many college students who are getting their first chance to shine, which was the case for Caetano in 2024. Now he is back as a graduate, with more experience under his belt, a little more established. This season he was going to play Sonny in their production of “The Cher Show,” Martin/Coach Carr, in “Mean Girls,” and Mr. Hollister in “Pretty Woman,” and being a part of the ensemble. He told me he really enjoys being at Clear Space, and that his castmates are all talented. He is a lot more experienced than when he was here before, having performed in productions at the Prairie Repertory Theatre, the Emerald Coast Theatre Company, Firehouse Center for the Arts, and the Sullivan Rep, among others. In productions as diverse as “Oklahoma!,” “Mystic Pizza,” “Hairspray,” and “Rock of Ages.” He now lives in New York City and clearly New York is the perfect place for an aspiring actor. He has an agent at Bramante Artists, who is getting him gigs, like the one he had at 54 Below and even a TV commercial for AFLAC.

“The Cher Show” is the second show I have seen at Clear Space this summer. After our chat I got one of the last tickets available that evening for “Pretty Woman.” In that production he has a smaller role, and is part of the incredibly talented ensemble. It is also an entertaining show and its very talented stars, Abby McDonough as Vivian, and Jaiden Leo Riley as Edward, are a pleasure to watch. Kudos to the talented director, Ashley Williams, and the entire creative team.

For anyone living at the beach, or coming for a visit, I urge you to plan a night at Clear Space. You won’t regret it. But know tickets for all the shows, and Sunday evening cabaret nights, sell out fast. So, I suggest you see what’s available online and buy yours today.

Photos

PHOTOS: World Pride March

LGBTQ rights demonstration held in Amsterdam

Published

2 days ago

August 9, 2026

Michael Key

A scene from the 2026 World Pride March in Amsterdam. (Washington Blade photo by Michael Key)

The 2026 World Pride March was held on Saturday, Aug. 8 in Amsterdam. Tens of thousands of participants marched from Martin Luther Kingpark to the grounds of the Pride Village at Museumplein.

(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)