Tag: community theatre

Taming of the Shrew: in present day costumes, the Kanata production becomes a tale of wife abuse rather than a romantic comedy

Taming of the Shrew: in present day costumes, the Kanata production becomes a tale of wife abuse rather than a romantic comedy

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It is just possible to swallow the theme of a husband having dominion over his submissive wife when William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew is presented as a period piece. Even then, it frequently raises the hackles of contemporary audiences. When it is delivered in near-present-day costume, the director leading with his chin and the outdated concept is much more difficult to accept. Through this lens, Shrew becomes more of a tale of wife abuse than a romantic comedy.

In the Kanata Theatre production, director Jim Holmes uses such costumes as an ABBA jumpsuit to lighten the mood and emphasize the comedy aspect. This works to a degree, but is hard to justify dramatically. Even more of an effect for its own sake is a Mexican dance and multi-coloured skirts as part of a wedding celebration. (All that just to throw sombreros over an Italian fountain?)

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The Orpheus production of the Producers steers its way expertly through the potential minefields of offending audience members of all stripes, while successfully maximizing humour

The Orpheus production of the Producers steers its way expertly through the potential minefields of offending audience members of all stripes, while successfully maximizing humour

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Distributing offence equally outrageously among assorted groups leaves no one offended and everyone amused.

At least, this appears to be Mel Brooks’ philosophy in The Producers, the multi-award winning 2001 stage musical adapted from his 1968 movie.

The Orpheus Musical Theatre Society production, with director Richard Elichuk at the helm, steers its way expertly through the potential minefields of offending audience members of all stripes. (This production is far more successful in maximizing humour and minimizing potential offence than the 2004 Toronto production, which closed early, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of many of those unfortunate enough to be in the audience.)

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The Producers: Alvina Ruprecht speaks to Ottawa Morning host Stu Mills.

The Producers: Alvina Ruprecht speaks to Ottawa Morning host Stu Mills.

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CBO

Host Stu Mills: Some people called it outrageous and other people called it insulting. Others said that it was the most brilliant musical that had ever hit Broadway. Our theatre critic, Alvina Ruprecht, has been to see the new Orpheus production of the show. She’s in the studio this morning. Hello, Alvina.

AR: Hello, Stu.

CBO: What were people doing ? Were they leaving the theatre in a huff   at the very beginning of it all? .

AR: No, no. They weren’t.

CBO: They weren’t?

AR: Oh, no. No, not at all. Somebody left, but I think they were going to the bathroom and then they came back.

CBO: So they weren’t leaving in a huff.

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