Synopsis

In Padua, a wealthy merchant named Baptista is resolved: his lovely Bianca will not be wed until her older sister, Katharina "the curs'd," is married off. The field of frustrated suitors for Bianca's hand is already crowded with locals like Hortensio and Gremio when Lucentio arrives in town to study at the university. But after one look at Bianca, Lucentio (like so many others before him) leaves all learning behind. How then to gain access to Baptista's treasure? Hortensio dons the robes of a music teacher. Lucentio disguises himself as a tutor, passing off his own identity to his servant Tranio.

Just when it seems as though Bianca will never be free, another suitor comes to town. His name is Petruchio, an adventurer undaunted by life's obstacles—and one determined to shore up his financial future through marriage. Katharina fits the bill.

After a stormy courtship, Petruchio manages to escort his "Kate" down the aisle, and sets out to tame his new wife. Tranio (still disguised as his master Lucentio) outbids Gremio for Bianca and manages to convince Baptista that he is the man for his daughter. But Baptista requires a guarantee from the young man's father, and so a suitable imposter must be found—and one more disguise now baffles Baptista. In the end, true identities are revealed, three marriages are celebrated, and a wager is placed as the newlyweds roll the dice on married life.

Dramatis Personae

What was a girl to do (other than say, “I do”)?
Women today have a lot of choices that we take for granted, but they didn't have many options during Elizabethan times.

Shrewd Storytellers
Composer Kevin O'Donnell and director Rachel Rockwell talk about the transformative powers of music and love.

Lords and Ladies Gaga 
Artists throughout history have understood that music can have a very powerful effect on our emotions.

We asked the actors... 
The cast answers the question, "have you ever changed yourself for love?" Read some of their responses.

The Cast
See who’s who among the actors.

The Creative Team
See who’s who on the creative team—the director, designers and other artists who contribute to the creation of the world of the play.