The Taming of the Shrew

Years ago when I first saw this production I was mesmerized. More than a quarter of a century later I can still say that it is the best rendition of "The Taming of the Shrew" that I have ever seen. Thoroughly enjoyable, it appears to follow the original Shakespeare in exactly how I imagine it was meant to be performed for Elizabethan audiences. The actors "played" to the crowd. The bawdy wit was obvious as I am sure it was designed to be. The characters interacted with one another as they would have appeared before an Elizabethan crowd but the dialogue was masterfully spoken in a manner completely understandable to a modern audience.

Marc Singer was wonderful. Truly the best performance of his career.

I saw this San Francisco Repertory Theater production in black-and-white when it first aired in 1976; I haven't seen it since, but I still remember it. I've searched for it over the years, and contacted PBS and WNET to see if it can be run again, or if the videotape can be purchased. >

I saw this program when I was a ten and it knocked my socks off. It was my first intro to Shakespeare and Mark Singer. I was awestruck and couldn't take my eyes of the television screen. This particular production and the rest of the company changed my life. Mark Singer's Petruchio was so full of life and unbridled energy that I think I might have fallen in preteen love with him not to mention the story of the Taming of the Shrew. I've sought out Shakespeare productions ever since (and Mark Singer). The dancing and delivery of the lines were so crisp. I so wish that I could see this particular production again. I still talk about it and wish my kids could view it with me and experience the excitement like I had when I first saw it oh so many years ago.

It was this performance that sparked my interest in Shakespeare. I don't quite know any higher compliment I can give it. I was 11 or 12 at the time, and Shakespeare was foreign to me despite being the same basic language, yet here it was, so live and real.

I haven't given it 10 of 10 merely because of its slight shortcomings within the medium. This show was for a live audience, and was filmed for television, not made for television. It's simplicity is charming, though.

It works. Watch this show and see what Shakespeare should be. I only wish I could have been there live to see it!

ADDITIONAL NOTE: Now that I've read the other reviews, I find it fascinating that everyone has the same comment that they remember it from 20+ years ago!

I saw this production in a theatre class back in the late 70's and have never forgotten it -- this was the first time I'd seen a production of "Taming of the Shrew" that didn't offend my feminist sensibilities! It was fast paced (as Shakespeare's comedies should be), physical and fun, well directed and acted.