First Folio Theatre Presents World Premiere Musical SHREW'D! Under-the-Stars In July

Chicago's premier outdoor professional theatre, First Folio Theatre (Mayslake Peabody Estate, 31st St. & Rt. 83), presents the world premiere of SHREW'D!, a new musical based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, adapted by Executive Director David Rice and Lydia Hiller, with music by Christopher Kriz and lyrics by Lydia Hiller and David Rice. Directed by Johanna Mckenzie Miller, SHREW'D! previews July 11-13, opens July 14 and runs through August 19, 2018.

Set in a 1930's Chicago jazz club, SHREW'D! follows the lives of two sisters - the tempestuous songwriter, Kate, who simply doesn't have time for a man, and her sister, Bianca, an up-and-coming dance sensation. While trying to make their mark in their father's nightclub, the sisters meet Petruchio and Lucentio, two mugs who fall for them like the proverbial ton of bricks. A blend of Shakespeare's dialogue and original music and lyrics with a Chicago twist provides an unparalleled fusion of the original story and modern adaptation to set this story in the 21st century.

The cast of SHREW'D! is led by Sierra Schnack as Kate, Christopher W. Jones as Petruchio, Emma Rosenthal as Bianca and Tony Carter as Lucentio. The supporting cast includes Sasha Kostyrko as Tranio, George Keating as Baptista, Steven Strafford as Hortensio, Karmann Bajuyo as Gremio, Jazmín Corona as Saleswoman, Ray Andrecheck as Vincentio and Sam Shankman as Biondello. The ensemble includes Isabella Andrews, Brice Baron, Laura Brennan, Eric Deutz, Rebecca Keeshin, Ted Kitterman, Thomas Squires, and Rachel Wagner.

The artistic team includes Johanna Mckenzie Miller as Director, with Scenic Design by Angela Weber Miller, Lighting Design by Michael McNamara, Original Music and Sound Design by Christopher Kriz, featuring lyrics by David Rice and Lydia Hiller, Choreography by Ericka Mac, Costume Design by Emily Arnold, Properties Design by Sophia Briones, and Music Direction by Kevin Reeks. Casie Morell is the Stage Manager and Sarah West and Lina Benich are Assistant Stage Managers.

Theatregoers can also enjoy custom-made boxed suppers from Standard Market during performances this summer. For $17.50 each, guests can order meals, including a Bistro Beef Sandwich, Cheese and Meat Plate, Chipotle Chicken Club, Harvest Salad and more, to be delivered to First Folio Theatre. Orders can be placed online or by calling (630) 986-8067 at least 48 hours in advance.

All performances of SHREW'D! will take place under-the-stars on the grounds of the Mayslake Peabody Estate, located at 1717 31st St., off Rt. 83, in Oak Brook. First Folio Theatre is easily accessible from the East-West Tollway (I-88) or the Stevenson Expressway (I-55). Free parking is available on the grounds. Preview tickets are $25. Regular priced tickets are $34 Wednesdays and Thursdays (seniors and students are $29) and $44 on Fridays through Sundays (seniors and students are $39). Special $10 tickets are available for children 14 and under. Season subscriptions and individual tickets may be purchased by calling the box office at 630.986.8067 or online at www.firstfolio.org.

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