Review: ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ at Odyssey Theatre

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Circus Theatricals lives up to its name with a carnival-themed look and feel for the lively, colorful revival of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ that marks the company’s return to its former home at the Odyssey Theatre.

Set in a dreamlike Italy at the turn of the 20th century, this incarnation of William Shakespeare’s classic battle-of-the-sexes romp features Jack Stehlin and Bridget Flanery as the sparring antagonists who wreak havoc on the conventions of courtship and marriage. As Petruchio, Stehlin (who also directed) is a scrappy trickster who delights in flaunting the expectations of others -- none more than his chosen bride, Katherine (a.k.a. Kate the Cursed). Fiery, red-headed Flanery grounds Kate’s defiance in rebellious disdain for the rigid code that requires her as the eldest daughter to be married off before her more compliant sister (Katy Downing). Energized by the challenge of conquest, Stehlin’s Petruchio pumps himself up for their meeting like a prizefighter before a bout.

The production makes no apologies for the controversial ‘taming’ that turns Kate from abrasive shrew to docile submissive -- an outcome sometimes criticized as misogynist. The play is an artifact of a time when relations between men and women were governed by very different rules and divisions of responsibility, and the performers here encourage viewers to enjoy it as such rather than judge it by modern sensibilities. Still, it would be helpful in this regard to show more of the ways the relationship changes Petruchio as well, taming some of the demons in his own restless spirit.

Kudos to the large supporting ensemble that renders the verse with notable precision and clarity, keeping the plot accessible and the comedy actually funny. Geoffrey Owens and Thomas Kopache merit special note for their hilarious servant-clowns. Cutting the unrelated framing prologue eliminates a frequent source of confusion.

High production values are courtesy of Victoria Profitt’s bright-hued set, Nikki Delhomme’s whimsical costumes and composer Roger Bellon’s particularly inspired mood-enhancing incidental music.

-- Philip Brandes

‘The Taming of the Shrew,’ Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. 8 p.m. Wednesdays (through March 18), 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays (except March 22 and April 12 at 7 p.m.). Ends April 19. $25 to $30 (check theater for pay-what-you-can performances). (310) 477-2055 or www.circustheatricals.com. Running time: 2 hours, 35 minutes.

.