The Taming of the Shrew (Broadway Theatre Archive)

Rating:
Summary: Stinks!
Review: Too bad you don't have a rating less than one star. This was a clown show, not Shakespeare! If you like acrobatics and seeing Marc Singer's bare chest, then go for it. But if you're looking for Shakespeare look elsewhere. This tape will be a major candidate for taping over.

Rating:
Summary: Perfect example of Commedia del 'Arte
Review: Yes this is a very good production, but mainly because it makes a firm commitment to the Commedia del 'Arte style. It's very possible that this production would have been done this way when it was first performed. Some don't understand that the broad commedy and slap-stick are part of Commedia. It may seem unnatural for a modern cynical audience, but even they have to admit that Shakespeare wrote for the Queen and the groundlings. This idea that all Shakespeare has to be high art, lofty and intellectual is hardly accurate to the times his audience existed. Most educators find this a very accessible introduction to Shakespeare, truer to the spirit of playing, than any other video they could show their students. Kudos to A.C.T.'s production and it's founder, William Ball!