by Ellen Carroll on June 12, 2009

Civic Arts Center, Cristela Carrizales, Dawn Deckman Moeller, Emily Ward, Holly McNatt, Ian Clinton, Jeff Burleson, Jerrad Allbritton, Joshua Irick, Kalebe M. Bruza, Lindsay L. Zana, Reduxion Theatre Company, Rhys Henley, Shakespeare, The Taming of the Shrew

I’d like nothing more than to start this article with two simple words: Drop Everything. Since the lawyers don’t like that idea (for all I know you may be holding a lit match or a priceless Ming vase..) I’ll forgo the drama and simply say: Put everything down (very gently), cancel your plans (very politely) and drive (very carefully) to the City Arts Center to get your Shakespeare on.

I know what you’re thinking.. it’s Friday night and Oklahoma City is hoppin’ as usual. Shakespeare never changes, right? If you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all, etc., etc. While I would normally agree, I assure you this is one show you don’t want to miss.

I love Shakespeare more than the average person, probably. I’m not ashamed to say that I have several different copies of his complete works and flip through them on a very regular basis (Okay, I’ll admit it.. I read it every night). His language is captivating and his masterfully crafted stories leave you satisfied and often surprised at the numerous twists and turns taken to develop the plot. As an avid reader and fan, I find myself regularly disappointed at the liberties taken by theatre companies that wish to make Shakespeare fresh and modern. They just don’t seem to get it quite right. After being disappointed so many times, I was wary of the newest theatre company in town and even more concerned when I heard that the play was to be set in the jazzy, stylish 20s.

Jazzy Shakespeare?! It sounds crazy, I know, but somehow it just fit. While keeping true to the author’s language, Reduxion Theatre Company has indeed managed to make Shakespeare their own. The swinging music, dazzling costumes and impeccably choreographed movements seemed natural. The Taming of the Shrew is one of my favorite Shakespearean comedies but even a seasoned reader can’t catch every joke. As I sat in the audience enjoying the fact that I could even understand the language at all, I found myself laughing at things I had never noticed when reading through the play myself.

It was impossible through all the laughter (at times there was so much that it was impossible to even hear the actors) to choose any player that outshone the others. Each was expertly portrayed and each captured the hip, romantic energy of the 20s while bringing Shakespeare’s own language to life.

There is little I can say that will do the Reduxion Theatre Company any justice for their refreshing take on Shakespeare, except to encourage each of our readers to support this troupe. They are skilled professionals whose creativity and ability are, in my humble opinion, unmatched in Oklahoma City. I look forward to their next season and will undoubtedly see Shakespeare very differently because of their powerful influence.

Congratulations to Dawn Deckman Moeller, Holly McNatt, Emily Ward, Ian Clinton, Kaleb M. Bruza, Lindsay L. Zana, Jeff Burleson, Rhys Henley, Jerrad Allbritton, Cristela Carrizales and Joshua Irick on a job well done!

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