ABOUT THE PRODUCTION
Shakespeare’s comedic story of marital mismatch is given new life and modern energy in Stephen Mills’ lighthearted and lovely recreation of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW. Commissioned by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in 2004, this 17th century tale of the trials of courtship, marriage and common courtesy reminds us that true love is seldom achieved at first sight. Interlaced with breathtaking costumes and dynamic choreography throughout, Mills offers a masterful work that enhances Kate’s fiery petulance, Petruchio’s patience, Lucentio’s maneuvers and Bianca’s sweet, naiveté in ways that would make the bard himself proud!
Commissioned by The Kennedy Center
CHOREOGRAPHY: Stephen Mills
MUSIC: Antonio Vivaldi, Alessandro Scarlatti, Domenico Scarlatti & Vincenzo Tommasini
Photography by Tony Spielberg & Hannah Neal
All rights reserved | No unauthorized use
HIGHLIGHTS
- Choreography: Stephen Mills
- Music: Antonio Vivaldi, Alessandro Scarlatti, Domenico Scarlatti & Vincenzo Tommasini
- Scenic Concept: Stephen Mills
- Scenic & Costume Design: Tommy Bourgeois
- Lighting: Tony Tucci
- Run-time: 67 minutes in 3 Acts
- Dancers: 20+ (10 women & 10 men)
- Awards: 2 accolades including “Best Dancer” & “Best Ensemble”
PREMIERES
THE BASS CONCERT HALL | BALLET AUSTIN
Austin, TX – 2004 (World Premiere)
THE LONG CENTER | BALLET AUSTIN
Austin, TX – 2007 | ’12
THE KENNEDY CENTER | BALLET AUSTIN
Washington, D.C. – 2004*
*Ballet Austin Tour
PRESS
“…three acts of rollicking fun. Warm, fresh, and instantly appealing, it balances slapstick humor with classical finesse…fearless, razor-sharp…the hyperkinetic action kept the audience riveted and laughing…”
Dance Magazine
“You might call Stephen Mills the bard of ballet…one of the nation’s best kept secrets.”
The Washington Post
“[‘The Taming of the Shrew’] shows Mills’ knack for comedy in full flourish and has a plotline as clear as sugar-crystal candy.”
The Austin Chronicle
“Ballet Austin’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’ is innovative and a bona fide laugh factory in comparison to the overly dramatic tales usually performed by ballet companies.”
The Daily Texas
“In this appropriately playful staging, Artistic Director Stephen Mills’ original choreography takes full advantage of his dancers’ classical training and skills but steers clear of anything stiff or formal.”
The Austinist
“…As endlessly ingenious and impressive as Mills’ physical comedy was, what was equally impressive, not to mention equally funny, was his grasp of Shakespeare’s characters…”
The Austin Chronicle