Tuesday, June 18, 2013

By Megan Cerullo
Published: July 30, 2009

The Tisbury Amphitheater is so neatly tucked away in the woods behind Tashmoo Overlook that to a passerby it is almost completely hidden. A narrow, tangled dirt path leads from the side of the road to the theater, which is formed entirely out of its natural surroundings.

The cast of "The Taming of the Shrew" enters in a wedding procession during the play, currently being staged at the Tisbury Amphitheater. Photos by Susan Safford

The woodsy venue has some natural features that aren't so attractive, like insects, particularly on a still, muggy night. Bring bug spray to fend off pesky distractions during the show. The outdoor stage's grass is well worn - the surface leveled due to the actors' heavy tread, and in the case of the current show, Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," the many wrestling bouts. A Vineyard Playhouse production, Shrew is at the Amphitheater through Sunday, August 9.

The retreat provides a perfect setting for enjoying the comedy. The play is directed by New York-based Johanna McKeon, a familiar presence at Vineyard Playhouse for the past five seasons, with music composed and orchestrated by Steve Lighty.

Joe Forgione as Petruchio and Chelsea McCarhy as Katharina.

"The Taming of The Shrew" is positively amusing. Set in Padua, Italy, the storyline revolves around the marriages of two sisters: the tame and beauteous Bianca (Zoe Morris) and her more tempestuous sister, Katharina (Chelsea McCarthy), the shrew for whom the play is named. The wealthy father of the discordant pair, Baptista Minola (Bill Cookson), insists that in order for Bianca to be able to accept any of her many suitors, her older, hellish sister must first be married.

Enter Lucentio, a rich young man with servants, who is immediately drawn to the fair and gentle Bianca, and determined to marry the young woman with whom he falls instantly in love. Lucentio devises a cunning plan in order to be in her company: he exchanges clothing with his servant, Tranio (Max Cramer), to disguise himself as her Latin tutor. Meanwhile Tranio (dressed as Lucentio) obtains Minola's approval for him to wed his daughter. Conveniently, the brazen Veronese Petruchio (Joe Forgione) arrives in Padua and deems Katharina suitable for marriage before having met her, as he is in pursuit of wealth and knows that she will bestow a sizable fortune upon him.

The mishaps and mayhem that ensue result in a well-executed and hilarious rendition of Shakespeare's early comedy. Standout performances are given by each cast member, most notably Islander Chelsea McCarthy as Katharina, who seems to have been born for the role.

Zoe Morris as Bianca and Randolph Adams as Lucentio. Photo by Susan Safford

"Everyone was waiting for 'Shrew' so that she could have her turn in it. She's well matched for the role," says Ms. McKeon.

She also appreciates the amphitheater as a special place to attend a play. Many in the audience come with picnic baskets and coolers stocked with wine. The encompassing nature of the outdoor theater - breezes and swaying trees that reveal patches of bright blue sky - contribute to a sense of intimacy.

But for all of its allure and charm, the outdoor setting does pose some inconveniences for the cast and crew to overcome. Stage manager Geneva Monks says, "You really have to work at painting the picture of the show because there's no theater. Also, we can't leave anything out. Every day we have to take down and set up. We live out of a port-a-potty. The dressing room is made out of fences with a tarp roof. It's very rustic."

"The Taming of the Shrew," Tisbury Amphitheater, Tashmoo Overlook, State Road, Tisbury. Wednesdays-Sundays, 5 pm. Through August 9. Adults, $15. 18 and under, $10. All tickets are sold at the Amphitheater on the afternoon of the show. Cash only.

Megan Cerullo is a freelance writer living in Edgartown.