The enthusiastic reviews have begun to roll in for The Taming of the Shrew, the final production of our 2011 season.

“Without hesitation,” writes Lauren Gunderson in the Huffington Post,  ”I can say that Cal Shakes’ production of Shrew (running now through Oct 16) is a lovely, funny, smartly directed production performed with muscle and wit.” In the San Francisco Chronicle, Robert Hurwitt calls Shana Cooper’s production “a richly inventive, funny and at times provocative Shrew.” On his Theater Dogs blog, Chad Jones asserts that leads Erica Sullivan (Kate) and Slate Holmgren (Petruchio) “have red-hot chemistry from the very first, and they’re so good together you really do want them together.” And Cindy Warner writes on Examiner.com that “Shana Cooper’s shrewd direction of Taming of the Shrew at Cal Shakes brings inspiration, enlightenment, over-the-top joy and abandon… you want to see the show again before you even leave the theater.”

“[The] marriage of witty and warm shines throughout this production,” writes Karen D’Souza in the San Jose Mercury-News, who calls it ”a flashy season closer.” On CultureVulture.net, Suzanne Weiss wrote that “Shana Cooper’s exuberant production of the classic comedy… is as funny as they come; fast moving; a thoroughly enjoyable night of theater.” SFist.com raves that “Cooper’s direction shines through for its cleverness, comic timing, and a desire to make of this play an edgy romantic comedy.” And in the Contra Costa Times, Sally Hogarty declares that ““Cal Shakes’ Shrew no tame adaptation.”

More reviews to come, so watch this space! The Taming of the Shrew runs through Sunday, October 16 at the Bruns Amphitheater. Get your tickets now, before it sells out!

Author and historian Philippa Gregory

We are delighted to announce that our friends at Rakestraw Books will present “An Evening with Philippa Gregory,” a special literary event to benefit both California Shakespeare Theater and Wardrobe for Opportunity.

The evening’s guest of honor, historian and bestselling author of The Other Boleyn Girl, Philippa Gregory, will be talking about her new books: a novel, The Lady of the Rivers, and a work of nonfiction, The Women of the Cousins’ War. Gregory will also take questions from the audience and sign books for attendees. The evening’s festivities will include a special display of “costumes” lent by both Cal Shakes and Wardrobe, titled “Dressing for Success!”

WHEN: Wednesday, October 26, 7pm

WHERE: Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Rd, Diablo

TICKETS: $40 each, including a copy of either The Lady of the Rivers or The Women of the Cousins’ War. To purchase tickets, please call Rakestraw Books at 925.837.7337.

MORE INFO: Click here.