'Katie the Curst' Draws Suitors and Laughter

The classic tale of Taming of the Shrew gets a fun family-friendly twist in Katie the Curst, a production of the Actors' Gang's Summer Theater-in-the-Park Family Program.

From the beginning of the story, the spotlight is on the ill-behaved Katie, the eldest and black sheep in a family of two daughters, and her wealthy father trying desperately to get her betrothed. In this adaption, Katie is the ruler of a 1970s Paduan punk rock music scene. Her mohawk, language and sharp remarks make her an embarrassment to her old-school father and scary to the other men in town.

Here's the catch that makes Katie's getting married more likely: Until she gets hitched, her younger sister--the more soft-spoken and lovelier Biancha--is off the market. Hilarity ensues as many, many men in the town conspire—and fail pitifully--to set Katie up so that they might have a chance with Biancha.

But when a money-seeking Paris transplant named Petruchio comes to town, his smooth talk seems to give him a chance as he sets out to be just what Katie is seeking. And it doesn't hurt that he will receive a hefty dowry if successful. His efforts are accompanied by live rock 'n' roll music, acrobatics, juggling, water balloons, tossed pies and plenty of wit.

It is comedic relief and entertaining through and through.

Katie the Curst will be performed Saturdays and Sundays at 11 a.m from Aug. 8 to Aug. 29. Katie the Curst is the fifth installment of The Actors Gang's Summer Theater-in-the-Park Family Program, which is presented free of charge in Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd. adjacent to the Actors' Gang home at the Ivy Substation.