The Taming of the Shrew (1976)
San Francisco's prize-winning American Conservatory Theater's rowdy commedia dell'arte production incorporates slapstick, pratfall and earthy humor into William Shakespeare's comedy about the two unmarried daughters of a wealthy Italian merchant. While daughter Bianca is genteel and popular, daughter Kate is foul-tempered and strong-willed. No one dares to marry Kate, until Petruchio arrives in Padua and tries his hand at courtship.
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This was the first time I'd seen Marc Singer. I fell in lust that day and have stayed there ever since. His was, without doubt, the best performance of Petruchio I've ever seen. His language was beautiful music, his delivery perfect and understandable and his body was to die for! I'm sure the other actors did a good job too, but the other performances paled beside his outstanding portrayal and I just don't remember anyone else! Who needs elaborate sets and costumes when the actors can make you see it all with just their performances? I was so impressed I have watched him in anything else he's done (even the not so great stuff). He is wonderful in "If You Could See What I Hear" and "Something For Joey". Any ideas where I can obtain a copy of this Great Performances airing of my very own? (Never mind, I've just bought a DVD copy on Amazon.)
It is amazing how perfectly this production works. I love how it is presented in the form of commedia dell'arte. Each role fits as one of the commedia stock characters and the director makes great use of the lazzi of the comic business. It is very cleverly done. The acting is great as well. I think Petruchio and Kate made it seem natural that they fell in love, when it seems kind of sudden when you just read the play. Kate handled the hand beneath the foot scene very well (the words in that scene usually make me cringe!)It is a nearly flawless production that is a great way to show just how much fun Shakespeare really can be!
The San Fransisco American Conservatory Theater gives an outstanding performance in a highly acclaimed production of Taming Of The Shrew. Just watching the actors facial expressions will leave you in hysterics. Marc Singer and Freddi Olster have a beautiful chemistry as Petruchio and the impossible Kate. This is one of the best productions of any kind I've ever seen. Anyone wanting to purchase this film can get it through Amazon.com or the Broadway Theater Archive!!!
I saw this San Francisco Repertory Theater production in black-and-white when it first aired in 1976; I haven't seen it since, but I still remember it. I've searched for it over the years, and contacted PBS and WNET to see if it can be run again, or if the videotape can be purchased. >