Glacier students present 'Taming of the Shrew'

Wolfpack Theatre Co. will present “Taming of the Shrew” Oct. 11, 12 and 13 in the Wolfpack Theatre at Glacier High School.

The family-friendly start time is 6:33 p.m. Tickets for “Taming of the Shrew” are $7 for adults and $5 for children, students and senior citizens, and are available at the school’s main office and Photo Video Plus.

This romantic romp by William Shakespeare shines a comic spotlight on the blessings and curses of the search for the perfect mate. Beautiful Bianca has no shortage of admirers, but she can't marry until her obstinate and headstrong sister Kate finds a husband.

Along comes the fortune-hunting Petruchio, who is determined to hit it rich in Padua and sets out to win the heart of the fiery-spirited Kate. Petruchio and Kate face off in a blazing battle of wits, while three enthusiastic suitors initiate their own crafty campaigns as they compete for Bianca’s affections.

“‘Taming of the Shrew’ is classic Shakespeare,” Director Ryan Motley said. “It is a fun comedy with a basic story line that is still being used in many more modern works. Beyond this, I believe it is important for students and adults alike to experience and enjoy the work of one of the greatest playwrights to ever live.”

Drawing inspiration and influence from the Wild West, circa 1880, this unique production of “Taming of the Shrew” shows a society where men are rough and women must toughen up to survive the frontier. It’s a world of gunslingers and grasping greed. The whole rough-and-tumble feel of Kate and Petruchio’s relationship brings a modern twist to the western setting.

“I strongly believe that one way to get a modern-day audience, especially high school students, excited about Shakespeare is to bring the text to life in a setting that is a little more neutral and easier to immerse yourself in as an audience,” Motley said.

“By setting this show as a western and playing the characters as famous western actors and historical western figures, you can create a story that is a little more relatable for the audience, even with a text that is not written in modern English.” “What better way to bring this to life than to create an atmosphere where the audience is a part of the show and the actors are ridiculous versions of famous western people you have heard of or seen on the silver screen.”

To complete the western vibe, Tamarack Brewing Co. in Lakeside has donated root beer, which will be available on tap. “Saloon food” will also be available for purchase, Motley said.

All proceeds will benefit the high school theater group.

The cast of “The Taming of the Shrew” includes Cate Smit, Bianca Hunter, Rachel Bjork, Bryce Tomas, Ben Habel, Lukas Dregne, Zach French, Josh Pitt, Emily Morison, Izaak Castren, Destiny Lockwood, Jaclyn Rensel, Mikayla Wilson, Abby Van Allen, Neele Siemann, Kyle Direito, Connor Fraser, Teesa Palmatier, Josie Jolly, Richard Chavez and Dillon Moes.

 Behind the scenes, Jackie Culver, Angie Merrill, Rae O’Myer, Spencer Gilsoul, Gracey Ortel, Shay Howell, Keanna Blodgett, Cole Pierce, Jerry Sandler, Raisa Williams, Joey O’Myer and Tayler Juntenen make up the lights, sound and stage crew.