Rating: 
Summary: It takes a beastmaster to tame a shrew
Review: Riveting high energy interpretation of one of Shakespeare's more problematic comedies. The director's decision to present this somewhat sexist comedy as an over-the-top commedia dell'ate production was brilliant. Patruchio's use of physical violence to tame his headstrong finacee is somehow made tolerable because all the relationships in this play are embued with violence. And like characters in a Roadrunner cartoon, victims bounce back with vigor and always manage to give as good as they get. The troupe is incredibly in sync with one another, highly athletic, and incredibly gifted at reciting their iambic pentameter flawlessly while being twirled overhead or kicked in the groin. It really has to be seen to be believed. And who knew Marc Singer, the Beastmaster, could act?! In the end, he brings a subtlety to his part that leaves you wondering who's taming whom?Harold Clurmann's interview with the director is a nice DVD extra.
Rating:
Summary: Kids who hated English loved this!
Review: Since it was first produced, I have been turning students on to this exceptional version of the play. Drama kids loved it, of course, but so also did my "regular" English students, who were so enthralled and entertained that I would watch their faces instead of the show. The bawdiness and the sheer energy of the production, plus the sharp, clear interpretations by all of the actors, make the show unbelievably easy for all audiences to understand and enjoy. Shakespeare wrote for the masses, and this proves it. Only someone who is completely intolerant of all slapstick could fault any aspect of the show. It is not the 3 Stooges--it is biting, literate comedy of the highest order.
Rating:
Summary: Best Version of Shakespeare's Comedy
Review: The ACT San Francisco production of Shakespeare's 'Taming of the Shrew' is the best version of this play that I have seen -- live or on tape/film. Done in the commedia dell arte style popular in Italy during the Middle Ages, the actors perform on a single set built to resemble a plain wooden stage with no ornamentation. The cast is well up to the challenge, with Marc Singer and Fredi Olster excellent as the lead characters. The pace is fast, the jokes obvious, and I would recommend this version to anyone who wants to see 'the Bard' and acting at their best.
Rating: 
Summary: Hilarious and sexy
Review: The play is now extremely politically incorrect, but this brilliant production is hilarious, and EXTREMELY sexy. This is the role that established Marc Singer, as a Petruchio who just CAN'T keep his shirt on. If you think Shakespeare's comedies aren't funny, watch this one and see how wrong you are!
Rating:
Summary: Marc Singer gives a sparkle to the play
Review: This is a commedy about a two unmarried daughters of a wealthy Italian merchant, and while there are many suitors interested in courting the younger, docile daughter, the father insists that the older one has to marry first. The problem is she is hot-tempered, both unwilling to marry and obnoxious to anyone who even makes an attempt to court her. The situation seems hopeless, until the right man shows up on the scene (played by Marc Singer) with a perfect strategy and here the fun really begins.
The setting and the costumes are intended to replicate to a certain extent commedia dell'arte and everyone is dressed in some form of white costume with red accents - except for delightful Marc Singer, naked to the waist, in tights ... together with all the verbal and behavioral persuasion used to tame a shrew, the way he looks helps, too, to make his task easier (he has half of the job done just showing up half-naked).
The entire persuasion strategy is exquisitely calculated - whatever he does is done only to the point of obtaining a desired effect, never losing control of the situation or of his objective - and throughout the entire process he comes through as a loving husband who only has his wife's best interests at heart.
Rating:
Summary: Taming of The Shrew
Review: This is one of the best productions a Shakesperian play that you will ever see. The language is well spoken and the comedy bits are remarkable and 'work' with this production. I used a bad tape of this for twenty years for introducing tenth graders to William. Knowing that it is out again almost makes me want to go back to the little...dears. There is a production of the RSC of Midsummer's Night with Diana Rigg that is as enchanting and lyrical as this Shrew is bawdy and wonderufl. BUY IT NOW!
Rating:
Summary: Taming of The Shrew
Review: This is one of the best productions a Shakesperian play that you will ever see. The language is well spoken and the comedy bits are remarkable and 'work' with this production. I used a bad tape of this for twenty years for introducing tenth graders to William. Knowing that it is out again almost makes me want to go back to the little...dears. There is a production of the RSC of Midsummer's Night with Diana Rigg that is as enchanting and lyrical as this Shrew is bawdy and wonderufl. BUY IT NOW!
Rating:
Summary: The very best version of this play!
Review: This is the play that began my love of shakespeare! The exceptionally funny wordplay is mirrored by fast-paced slapstick which never fails to elicit gales of laughter. Marc Singer is the quintessential Petruchio and the chemistry between the leads is as good or better than that between Burton and Taylor in the more well-known version. This is terrific!!!
Rating:
Summary: Outstanding
Review: This is wonderful. For those who have seen only Burton and Taylor or other film versions, get this DVD - You are in for a treat! The staging is magnificent, the leads superb, and the entire cast is excellent. Enjoy.
Rating:
Summary: Taming Of The Shrew (1976)
Review: This wonderful play is laughs from beginning to end. Marc Singer (The Beastmaster, "V") is at his all time best in the role of Pettruchio who tames the meanest girl in all the land. The rest of the cast are equally brilliant in their performences. This is truly one of the best plays I have ever seen!
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