Shakespeare's "Shrew" Takes Vineyard Stage Friday, Saturday Nights

After a tremendous response from the community last summer, the Rhode Island Shakespeare Company returns to Newport Vineyards in Middletown tonight for a two-day run of "Taming of the Shrew."

Nearly 100 people attended last summer's night of Elizabethan theater at the vineyard, so guests for both the Friday and Saturday performances are encouraged to secure both your tickets and your lawn space early. Guests who wish to order picnic menu items from Fatullis located at the vineyard are also encouraged to call ahead. 

Staged against 60 rolling acres of picturesque vineyards, the Friday and Saturday night sunset theatrical performances of the Rhode Island Shakespeare Company's "Taming of the Shrew" are sure to be crowd-pleasers.

"Taming of the Shrew" is William Shakespeare's wildly funny tale of Katherine, a woman noted for her scolding tongue and brash temper, and her suitor, Petruchio, a coarse, ill-mannered man more interested in her father's wealth than Katherine herself. Add mistaken identity and physical comedy, and this is a play you cannot miss.

The Rhode Island theatre company has spent the summer touring with the popular comedy throughout New England and is moving into its final summer stretch.

The popular local vineyard has brought several nights of arts and culture to Middletown this week. Thursday evening, the vineyard hosted a Bridgefest celebration featuring cool jazz performed by the Lois Vaughan Trio, accompanied by a lavish New England style clambake cooked atop hot stones and seaweed and, of course, wine.

"It's nice to offer these events to our community," said vineyard owner John Nunes, who's also thinking about lining up similar events there for October. To would-be guests, he added, "Come enjoy the sunset in our beautiful vineyard setting. Enjoy the shows and a little wine!"

"Taming of the Shrew" tickets are $15 in advance or $18 the night of the show. The performance starts at 7pm, but the grounds open at 6 pm and organizers suggest arriving early to picnic amidst a beautiful setting and claim your plot of grass for the show.  The seating is "bring your lawn chairs and blankets."

Picnic menu options start at $7.95 and may be purchased prior to arrival by calling Fatullis ahead of time at 401-847-5166. Wine by the glass will be available to purchase from Newport Vineyards, but guests may not bring in their own wine. To reserve tickets for "Taming of the Shew," call 401 848-5161 or email info@newportvineyards.com.