Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

Chicago Tribune - Recommended

"...The increasingly popular director takes on the story of embattled-and-battling Kate and Petruchio with a light, but pointed, touch in Chicago Shakespeare's "Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew," and delivers a production studded with consistent laughs — without completely eradicating the Stockholm-Syndrome scenario at the heart of the central relationship."

Centerstage - Highly Recommended

"... Rockwell’s production begins with a smart, well-written curtain speech engagingly delivered by actress Jessie Fisher comparing the need for audiences of all ages to adjust their ears to Shakespeare’s poetry much in the way we focus our eyes in a dim light. She further explains that, even when the words sound unfamiliar, if we listen carefully to how the actors say their lines and watch their body language, all will be revealed."

Chicago On the Aisle - Highly Recommended

"...And Chicago Shakespeare’s young players milk it for every ounce of mistaken identities, duplicity, double-entendres, slapstick physicality and over-the-top turmoil. Director Rachel Rockwell’s artful trims in the text have reduced the play’s length to a succinct but neatly rounded 75 minutes of unbroken hilarity. I’ve seen many a full-length “Shrew” and I’m sure I never laughed so hard at any of them."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"... There’s no reason to not enjoy CST’s latest Short Shakespeare adaptation. It had a top-notch ensemble, an incredible adaptation, and an overall fun atmosphere. What’s not to love?"

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"... Rockwell, who is an award winning choreographer and director for the adult theater audiences, continues to impress me with her view to bringing young audiences into the world of “live theater”. I truly feel that if they begin to enjoy and learn from viewing live theater at a young age, they will grow up with a love of this art form and with directors like Rockwell showing them the way, it becomes easy. “Taming” which has had several other adaptations ( “Kiss Me Kate” is the musical version) is a story about love told through some wild and crazy characters."