COMMENTARY

By LOUIE SHARP
Reporter

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — “The Taming of the Shrew” was as riotous and fun as it’s ever been at the Highlander Theatre this weekend. This production of the classic Shakespeare comedy gave it a makeover: its new setting was the Wild West. At first it seems like a pretty strange choice, but it makes a bit more sense in light of the success of films like “The Revenant” and “The Hateful Eight” (and I could not be more excited that westerns are making a comeback).

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY SARA DURN
Stephanie Laaker (left) as Katerina and Daniel Parman as Petruchio in “The Taming of the Shrew” two weeks ago in Highlander Theatre.

The western motif paved the way for a beautiful saloon-inspired set, with stunning costumes to match. In particular, Connor Bosworth as Lucentio wore a white three-piece suit that perfectly captured the feel of a wealthy Southern gentleman. Hortensio, played by Austin Hook, and Petruchio, played by Daniel Parman, sported leather vests and boots that gave them a rougher, cowboy feel. Parman’s Petruchio and Grumio, played by Bryson Kenworthy, entertained in ridiculous wedding clothes that were especially well done, to the point that they caused the man sitting next to me to laugh out loud for the entirety of those scenes.

While the entire cast brought a great deal of excitement and energy to the stage, there were a few performances that I felt stood out. Parman was so over-the-top and charismatic that even as he said horribly offensive things, you couldn’t help but love Petruchio. Zachary Craft as Tranio and Bosworth’s Lucentio were great together. And last but not least, Kenworthy’s portrayal of Grumio was simply amazing. Just like his performance in “Chicago,” he stole the show every time he was on stage.