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What it means to be a man is a surprising message in Seattle

What it means to be a man is a surprising message in Seattle
Shakespeare Companys very unorthodox production of Shrew by Rajkhet Dirzhud-Rashid - SGN A&E Writer The Taming of the Shrew Directed by Stephanie Shine Starring Keith Dahlgren, George Mount, Beethoven Oden, Michael Patten, Timothy Hornor, Cecil Luellen, Charles Leggett, Mark Dias, Nathan Smith, David Goldstein, Christopher Laxamana and Dale Bowers May 19-June 19 Center House Theatre (Seattle Center, Center House) On my way to see Seattle Shakespeare Companys rousing all-male version of the bards The Taming of the Shrew, I was momentarily (and pleasantly) delayed a bit by a huge crowd of people playing drums and other percussion instruments. The event was the little publicized Worth Rhythm Festival, which also took place at Seattle Center all last weekend, and brought together local and international percussion artists and dancers for a festival that really had people excited. At least, for those who knew about it, that is. Unfortunately, because it was a free festival, it seems not much was said about it, which is too bad, because it looked fun. But, the good news is that it happens again next year, and Im sure theyll be telling everyone about the event well ahead of time, and this weekend, at the Northwest Folklife Festival, you can check out some of the drummers around the Seattle Center grounds. Ah, but back to the all male Shrew, which I did go to see. Lets just say it isnt your mamas version of this Shakespeare classic, or any other version you might be familiar with. Nope, this is the one where men dressed in skirts, dresses and ruffs, as well as a very revealing pair of pantaloons, dash and leap about on stage, bringing the timely battle of the sexes play to life. And what a life they give it ! From the moment the cast of actors start the play by singing in African call and response style, and then move to taking on feminine roles, you can be quite sure Wills play will be getting a tweaking. Katherine and Bianca, played by George Mount and Beethoven Oden respectively, are appropriately fiery and gentle, but played by these two very talented actors, little Bianca is certainly a lot more interesting and hellcat Katherine, is downright pugilistic. And are they funny? Oh, and then some. In fact if you can keep from laughing through this whole play, your pulse needs a check. Michael Patten plays a determined and mercurial Petruchio and paired with Mount as Katherine, the play zips and soars in ways youve probably never imagined a Shakespeare standard could. But even better than Oden (who is as marvelous to watch as to listen to, as Bianca) is Charles Leggett as Gremio, the older suitor who is vying for Biancas hand against her other two suitors, Tranio (David Goldstein), and Hortensio (Mark Dias). Leggett makes use of the walker hes given as a prop to illustrate his characters advanced years, getting more than his share of the laughs this play generated last weekend when I saw it. Another gem in the play is Chris Laxamana, who plays Bionello, Tranios (David Goldstein) servant. His rap of one of the speeches revealing some of the goings on in this wicked comedy is so funny I nearly peed my pants, I was laughing so hard. And finally, Timothy Hornors elastic facial gestures and ability to use any prop of situation as a chance to ham it up, added even more delight to this delicious version of how a wild child learns to calm down and lead a peaceful life with the man who will not be swayed by her choleric temperament. A definite must for anyone who loves this comedy, or anyone who likes to see Shakespeare given a new treatment. See it, see it, see it and you will not be sorry. For more information on times and tickets, call (206) 733-8222, or go online to www.seattleshakes.org.