Daniel José Molina, Colleen Madden, Casey Hoekstra, James Ridge & Alejandra Escalante. Photo by Liz Lauren
Though this production largely uses Shakespeare's words, it is a pretty wild adaptation. Case in point - three of the actors (Casey Hoekstra, Colleen Madden and James Ridge) play multiple characters. The guide below explains who the characters are within the world of the play, and identifies costume pieces that represent individual characters.
Katherine played by Alejandra Escalante
The “shrew” of the play’s title, Katherine, or Kate, is the daughter of Baptista Minola, with whom she lives in Padua. She is sharp-tongued, hot-tempered, and prone to violence, particularly towards anyone who would court her. Her hostility toward suitors particularly distresses her father, but her anger and rudeness disguise her deep-seated sense of insecurity and her jealousy toward her sister, Bianca. She initially refuses the advances of Petruchio, but eventually falls in love with him, coming to understand the true nature of marriage and partnership.
Petruchio played by Daniel José Molina
A gentleman of Verona. Loud, boisterous, eccentric, and quick-witted. He has come to Padua to find a wife. He wishes for nothing more than a woman with an enormous dowry, and he finds Kate to be the perfect fit, disregarding everyone who warns him of her shrewishness. He falls almost immediately in love with Kate and, after a Herculean effort, succeeds in wooing her and showing her the possibility of a true partnership.
Bianca played by James Ridge (white headpiece)
The younger daughter of Baptista. The lovely Bianca shows herself to be the opposite of her sister, Katherina. She seems soft-spoken, sweet, and unassuming. However, this persona masks a devious nature and an enthusiastic lust for life. Because of her large dowry and her seemingly mild behavior, several men fie for her hand, and she very much enjoys their attention. Baptista, however, will not let her marry until Kate is wed.
Baptista played by James Ridge (blue suit & hat, no glasses)
One of the wealthiest men in Padua, his daughters become the prey of many suitors due to the substantial dowries he can offer. He is good-natured, if a bit superficial, and loves his daughters. His distress only grows as Kate shows her obstinate nature. Thus, at the beginning of the play, he is already desperate to find her a suitor, having decided that she must marry before Bianca does.
Lucentio played by Casey Hoekstra (horn rimmed glasses)
The main rival of Gremio for Bianca’s hand and a longtime friend of Petruchio. He directs Petruchio to Kate and then dresses up as a music instructor to court Bianca. His efforts are thwarted, however, by Lucentio and he ends up marrying a wealthy widow.
Tranio played by Colleen Madden (maroon skirt and jacket when playing Tranio; orange suit when playing Tranio pretending to be Lucentio)
Lucentio’s trusted servant. Tranio accompanies Lucentio from Pisa. Wry and resourceful, she plays an important part in her master’s charade. She assumes Lucentio’s identity and bargains with Baptista for Bianca’s hand, getting a taste of what it feels like to be a wealthy man about town.
Hortensio played by Casey Hoekstra (sunglasses, open jacket)
The main rival of Gremio for Bianca’s hand and a longtime friend of Petruchio. He directs Petruchio to Kate and then dresses up as a music instructor to court Bianca. His efforts are thwarted, however, by Lucentio and he ends up marrying a wealthy widow.