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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The Taming of Shrew, an uproarious comedy about courtship and the battle of sexes, centers on Petruchio, a country gentleman, and Katherina (or Kate) the headstrong, obstinate, and eponymous “shrew.” Keeping with the aim of the theatre company, Woods’ inspiration comes exclusively from Shakespeare’s text, but takes a fresh perspective that has become the characteristic trademark of RTC productions.

The script, according to Woods, speaks to a time in America’s recent history: the fight for the 19th Amendment, granting woman the right to vote, at the beginning of the 20th century. For a contemporary audience, a play addressing the “taming” of a woman’s spirit can be a tricky subject. “We must remember that not too long ago, we, as a nation, took sides on whether or not women should be allowed to have a say in our democracy” Woods’ view is that the play tackles equality rather than the idea of superiority. “Unfortunately, even today, a woman with a strong voice can be perceived as ‘unruly’ by certain sectors of society.”

Setting this show at the gateway of the ‘roaring twenties’ offers a unique perspective on the play’s comedy. “The script is full of silliness and fun,” says Woods. The comedy of disguises and mistaken identities reminded him of classic films, such as Some Like It Hot, a comedy also set in the 1920s. “The fashion, the music, and urban life in the US during this time period really serve to highlight the Bard’s language and ideas.”

Performances kick off with a special opening night event. A Roaring Twenties Costume Party will take place the evening of Thursday June 11th at City Arts Center in Oklahoma City. The event will include live music and food provided by Prohibition Room Restaurant Lounge. The party is open to the public and included with price of admission to the performance.

Performances of The Taming of the Shrew begin June 11th and perform every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm through June 27th at the newly renovated City Arts Center Theater Space located at 3000 General Pershing Blvd on the Oklahoma Fair Grounds in Oklahoma City. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. For ticket information, call 405-651-3191 or order on-line at www.reduxiontheatre.com.

Reduxion Theatre Company is an Oklahoma Nonprofit, 501c(3) corporation with a mission to professionally produce both classical and contemporary theatre, enriching Oklahoma’s cultural, educational and economic climate, attracting artists and audiences from around the world. RTC has produced several events and productions of classical plays to critical acclaim in both New York City and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.reduxiontheatre.com or call (405) 651-3191.

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