Traveling company makes annual visit to Flathead Valley

"The Taming of the Shrew," produced by Montana Shakespeare in the Park, will be staged on the Big Mountain on Thursday at 6 p.m. just below Chair 3 in the Big Mountain Village.

The nine-week tour that begins in Bozeman will offer nearly 70 performances in 50 communities in Montana, Wyoming and Idaho this summer.

One of The Bard's most enduring comedies, "The Taming of the Shrew," takes audiences on a riotous sortie in an Elizabethan battle of the sexes, pitting Kate, Padua's most defiant, witty and independent young woman, against Petruchio, Verona's determined, witty and equally headstrong young man. The sparks fly when Petruchio begins his quest to "tame" Kate and secure a large dowry in the process.

Shakespeare transcends the ages and enthralls audiences with a timeless tale that continues to spark debate, both heated and comical, about society's perceptions of male and female roles, all the while providing an entertaining way to spend a summer's evening outdoors.

"The Taming of the Shrew" is directed by Joel Jahnke, Montana Shakespeare in the Parks' artistic director.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks, based at Montana State University, brings professional productions to communities throughout Montana, northern Wyoming, and eastern Idaho. The touring company features 11 professional actors, supported by a variety of designers and technicians, who bring theatre to communities that may otherwise not have access to it.

All performances are free, and tickets are not needed for admission. Audiences are invited to arrive prior to the appointed curtain time with chairs, blankets and a picnic supper and plenty of friends and family.

For more information, see http://www.montana.edu/shakespeare or contact Kathy Jahnke at 994-1220 or kjahnke@montana.edu.

Other Northwest Montana performances include:

Monday - Eureka, "The Taming of the Shrew," 6 p.m., Historical Village

Tuesday - Libby, "Cymbeline," 6 p.m., Middle School Amphitheater

Wednesday - Libby, "The Taming of the Shrew," 6 p.m., Middle School Amphitheater

For more information, call 862-2900.