Review Roundup: The Taming of the Shrew

We were super excited to be able to open our new musical take on The Taming of the Shrew last week at Central Park, Malvern. Apart from some massive crowds, we were excited to have some critics in attendance who had nothing but praise to share for the production. Let's take a look at what they said.

When reflecting on the way our production reimagined the politics at play in The Taming of the Shrew, reviewers said:

This delightful production points to the need to revisit the play without sidestepping the questionable gender politics inherent in the original text.
— Patricia Di Riso

I love Emma Austin’s re-imagining of the play’s induction scene. In Shakespeare’s original script, it is written as a long introduction around Sly the tinker’s drunken dream. In this production, Sly, played fulsomely by Ali Samaei, is transformed into the company’s director, and all the characters of the original play are morphed into stylised  ‘jobbing actors,’ keen to stay in work.
— Dr Josey De Rossi

Patricia Di Riso also specifically reflected on Austin's direction of the relationship between Petruchio and Katarina:

This allows the production to highlight the ways in which marriage is viewed and negotiated by society as an economic exchange that will contribute to social status. The reference to the different Melbourne suburbs reiterated the continued or timeless importance of appearances and social standing as a factor in romantic relationships. 
— Patricia Di Riso

Meanwhile our ensemble cast was praised for their musical and acting chops.

As with previous shows most cast members are given the chance to showcase their acting and vocal skills. Leading the way are JP Vizcay-Wilson who played Petruchio on the night we attended (but who can become Katerino depending on the audience vote), Kian Pitman who played Katerina but also can play Petruchio as Petruchia and Ali Samaei as the producer Sly. All were excellent.
— Jenny Burns

The company is a well-assembled cast of talented young performers. I loved their transitions from Shakespearean poetic language into contemporary song. This is no doubt thanks to the good musical direction of Natalie Calia.
— Dr Josey De Rossi

The work of our design team was also praised. In particular, the way the work felt being performed outdoors, and the way the design worked cohesively.

The excellent choice of songs, the musical arrangement and the delivery shows acumen in the musical direction (Natalie Calia). The set (Leah Downey) and costume design (Jemima Eva) are kept simple and almost cartoon-like to echo the more frivolous approach to the text. The outdoor setting is very evocative and creates a more relaxed opportunity to experience a Shakespeare play.
— Patricia Di Riso

Innovative staging and creative musical and script additions ensure the show offers a fun and entertaining outdoor theatrical experience.
— Jenny Burns

But maybe our favourite comment from a critic was the lovely Dr Josey De Rossi who delivered this glorious praise:

The Taming of the Shrew is wonderful to view and deserves a sell-out season. Its presentation of gender politics will undoubtedly call up much discussion, debate and laughter.
— Dr Josey De Rossi

So what are you waiting for? The Taming of the Shrew and all of its "discussion, debate and laughter" must close by the 15th of March.

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Grab your tickets to this "delightful production" before The Taming of the Shrew closes on 15 March.

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