YOUNGSTOWN PLAYHOUSE Looking for the romance in 'Shrew'

This comedy turns into the ultimate battle of the sexes.
BY MARGARET NERY
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
In a season when comedy has been reigning supreme at area theaters, and things have teetered at times from the sublime to the ridiculous, it seems only appropriate that the Youngstown Playhouse should turn to William Shakespeare for inspiration.
And so, on Friday night the Playhouse presented its own rollicking interpretation of the bard's classic comedy, "The Taming of the Shrew."
The plot for this once-upon-a-time story deals with the tribulations of a wealthy merchant who has two daughters, and according to tradition, must get the eldest married before the youngest can become a bride.
There is one problem: The eldest, Katharine (the fiery Lesley Ann Gent) hates men and has no intention of getting married. With her brazen personality and actions, she manages to scare away any man brave enough to try to woo her.
However, longing to be wed is the youngest daughter, Bianca (Heather Fenstermaker-Turner) who, unlike sister, is lovely and gentle. So, the two battle constantly over their lot in life.
Among those hoping the obstinate Katharine will get married are Bianca's two eager suitors, the elderly Lucentio (Ric Diaz) and the younger Hortensio (Kenneth Brown).
Ultimate shrew
Since women at that era had no social status and were expected to be submissive to males, those who did not conform were regarded as shrews and needed to be tamed. And the strong-willed Katharine easily gained the reputation of being the ultimate shrew.
Undeterred by her obnoxious behavior, and because he wants a wife with a big dowry, the self-confident Petruchio (Richard Haldi) makes a deal with Katharine's father, and the two are married despite her vehement objections.
Once the wedding is over, the battle of the sexes really begins.
Petruchio sets out to tame Katharine by keeping her hungry and depriving her of sleep. He even rejects clothing she needs so she can go to visit her family. Little by little, he makes her totally dependent on him.
Becomes obedient
The once-shrewish Kate finally loses the battle of the wills and begs for food, sleep and clothing. Reduced to submissive obedience, she doesn't even dare contradict the ridiculous statements he often makes.
When the couple eventually return to her former home, they find the marriage of Lucentio and Bianca is being celebrated. Among the guests is Bianca's rejected suitor, Hortensio, who has taken a widow as his bride.
During the festivities, the husbands make a bet about who has the most obedient wife. Everyone laughs when Petruchio claims that Kate is the most subservient. However, when Bianca and the widow refuse to obey their husbands, the once obstinate Kate surprises everyone with her meek behavior.
In the end, Katharine and Petruchio fall in love and, of course, live happily ever after.
Rounding out the capable, well-schooled cast are Brandon Martin, Monica Beasley-Martin, Matt Coonrol, Gary Deckant, Jack Eilber, Jonathan Emerson, Lawrence Latsko, Joshua Miletta, Ben Solomon and Ally Ratie.
"Taming of the Shrew" is basically a play within a play where characters change identities and try to outwit one another. Under the direction of Carol Weakland the dated plot and rather unromantic look at marriage becomes a somewhat confusing but delightfully amusing production.