Pulse Ensemble Theatre to Present THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, 7/24-8/4

The critically acclaimed PULSE ENSEMBLE THEATRE, celebrating its 24th season, and Artistic Director Alexa Kelly are pleased to present the 9th season of Harlem Summer Shakespeare with free performances of Shakespeare's THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, directed by Kelly. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW will play a four-week limited engagement in the glorious Amphitheatre in Riverbank State Park (679 Riverside Drive @ 145th Street). Performances begin Wednesday, July 10 and continue through Sunday, August 4. Opening Night is Thursday, July 11 (8 p.m.).

Bianca, a young and charming woman, has many fine suitors, but her mother, Baptista keeps fighting them off. She will not allow her younger daughter to marry until Kate, the eldest, does so first. Kate is difficult and a shrew, therefore no one wants to marry her. Hortensio suggests to his friend Petcuchio, that Kate would be a nice rich catch for him, but forewarns him that she is a total terror. Petruchio says he will tame her, and with the twists and turns, subplots and disguises which Shakespeare does best, the love of Patruchio and Kate prevails.

Artistic Director Alexa Kelly said: "Continuing our tradition of making Shakespeare a part of today's world, THE TAMING OF THE SHREW will be visually contemporary, whilst keeping Shakespeare's language is intact.

The goal of the Harlem Summer Shakespeare is to expose new audiences to Shakespeare-in the tradition of the great Joe Papp, bringing FREE, live, multi-ethnic theatre to families and young people who might not gravitate to or think that they would enjoy live theatre-especially not Shakespeare. Using familiar, contemporary visuals, motifs and sounds, which bring the audience closer to the story being told on stage. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW will be set in the 1950's in a Caribbean venue, featuring Calypso music, and enhanced by the spirit of "Carnival".

The production feature several actors returning to the company after appearing in other Harlem Summer Shakespeare productions: the ever popular Michael Gilpin (Poche A Flea in Her Ear, Undershaft Major Barbara, Sir Toby Twelfth Night) will play Petruchio, and Yvette King (Balm in Gilead, Bernarda Alba, Twelfth Night) as Kate. Vincent Bagnall as Hortensio, Bill Galarno as Gremio. The cast also includes John L Payne (Pedant), Marcia Berry (Baptista), Uriel Menson (Vincentio), Matthew Bretschneider (Lucentio), Jonathan Fluck (Tranio), Kirya Traber (Biondello), Jonathan Dyrud (Grumio), Cherish Monique-Duke (Bianca) and Jerilyn Sackler (Widow).

The production features scenic and costume design by Bob Miller, and lighting design by Steve O'Shea. BrIan Richardson is the sound designer and Richard A. Leigh is the stage manager. Tickets are FREE. Outdoors, amphitheatre seating, please feel free to bring a pillow, and enjoy the greatest view in town.

Running Time: 120 minutes
Website: www.pulseensembletheatre.org

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