Not-so-tame ‘Shrew’ comes to Sandpoint

The Idaho Shakespeare Festival is coming to Sandpoint on Friday to do a wild and crazy version of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.”

The comedy will be done in “commedia dell’arte” style, which is the 16th-century version of slapstick. It involves lots of clowning, pratfalls and broad physical comedy. In this production, it will be accompanied by modern music from the Squirrel Nut Zippers and an art-deco style of design.

This production will be what the Boise-based festival describes as a “Shakespearience” piece. That means the complete story will be told in abbreviated form, with only six actors.

“The Taming of the Shrew” is the well-known story of the cocky Petruchio’s attempt to “tame” the sharp-tongued Kate.

Friday’s performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Panida Theater in Sandpoint. Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students, in advance at Monarch Mountain Coffee, Pack River Potions and Eve’s Leaves, and on the evening of the performance at the Panida box office.

To purchase by credit card, call (208) 255-7801.