Lauren Gunderson's THE TAMING Begins at Shakespeare & Company Today

Shakespeare & Company opens its 39th Season today, May 27 with the regional premiere of THE TAMING. Written by award-winning playwright Lauren Gunderson, and directed by Company veteran Nicole Ricciardi, the outlandish and politically charged comedy runs at the Elayne Bernstein Theatre through July 30, 2016.

Super-patriot Miss Georgia has something bigger in mind for the Miss America pageant than winning a crown. She wants to jump-start a movement to rewrite the Constitution. So she's locked herself in a hotel room with two captive political opposites and the ensuing conflict plays out in hilarious fashion, complete with a screwball chase scene, underwear gags and slyly developing sexual attractions.

"This play is powerful, funny, clever-written for Seattle's Crowded Fire Theatre in 2013, Ms. Gunderson's play seems even more timely now," says director Nicole Ricciardi. "The playwright believes it is the perfect time to laugh at the many imperfections of our two-party system: 'There's great power in farce to disarm people and bring them together.' I tend to agree, as I am reminded of the old adage, it's only funny because it's true."

Ricciardi's production of THE TAMING features three Shakespeare & Company newcomers: Maddie Jo Landers, Tangela Large and Lucy Lavely.

The creative team includes veteran Company Artists John McDermott (Set Design), James Bilnoski (Lighting Design), Amy Altadonna (Sound Design) and Esther Van Eek (Costume Design).

With a running time of 90 minutes, tickets for THE TAMING are available online at www.shakespeare.org, or by calling Shakespeare & Company at (413) 637-3353 during box office hours. The Bernstein Theatre is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible including added enhancements this year. Shakespeare & Company is located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, Massachusetts.

Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978 by Tina Packer, the organization attracts tens of thousands of patrons annually. The Company is also home to a renowned Center for Actor Training, as well as an award-winning Education Program.

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