"The Taming of the Shrew" Play Seeks Performers

The Tamer. He’s charming, dauntless, the center of attention who always has a trick up his sleeves. In his mind and to many around him, he’s the dashing and clever leading man in a romantic comedy, like Dick Van Dyke or Ricky Ricardo. In reality, he’s a chauvinist and an abuser. He woos and “tames” Katherine not because he loves her, but for the money and status she can bring him.

The Shrew. Fiery and independent, Katherine sees no need for men, or manners for that matter. She has a raging temper which frightens her family and would-be-suitors. She does not at all fit the portrait of the docile, perfect housewife that everyone else wants her to be. Not going down without a fight, she gets the last word in this version. Either- a brash, quirky Lucille Ball type, or a glamorous, icy Elizabeth Taylor type.

Ingenue who falls in love with Bianca and poses as tutor “Cambio” to get close to her. Charming in a sweet, dopey way, like Danny Kaye in White Christmas.

The sweet younger sister who isn’t allowed to marry before Katherine, which is too bad because Bianca is adored by many suitors. Just the right mix of flirty and demure, the ideal 1950’s ingenue. Ann Margaret in Bye Bye Birdie.

Weary parent to Kate and Bianca. Bianca is their pride and joy, but Katherine exhausts them. They’ve tried to marry her off for years to no success, then jump at the chance to give her away to Petruchio, even though he’s obviously unstable and has bad intentions. Paul Lynd or Mary Wickes vibes.

Lucentio’s servant who has to disguise herself as Lucentio to take his place while he is off wooing Bianca as “Cambio”. Gets into some zany antics while posing as a wealthy man vying for Bianca’s hand. This version of Tranio will be a “pants role” played by a female-presenting actor, like Viola in Twelfth Night.

A suitor to Bianca, but way too old for her. Has no real connection with her, but tries to use his social standing and friendship with Baptista to win her as a prize.

Long suffering and sassy servant to Petruchio. Think Mary Wickes or Alice in the Brady Bunch. Hortensio- (male, age 25-45) A swaggering, overconfident suitor to Bianca, who poses as a tutor to get close to her. Fights with the other suitors, but eventually gives up and marries the widow. He and Petruchio are bros.

Ditzy page to Lucentio. Goofy, either Gilligan from Gilligan’s Island or Adelaide from Guys and Dolls.

Out-of-towner who poses as Lucentio’s father

Straight-laced father to Lucentio.

One person will play these 3 roles. Curtis is a curious and chatty servant of Petruchio. The tailor is a fabulous designer, whose work is not appreciated by Petruchio (Edith Head inspired). The widow is a cranky broad who isn’t afraid to give a piece of her mind.