Eureka College to stage ‘The Taming of the Shrew’

The Shakespearean comedy “The Taming of the Shrew” will be staged by the Eureka College theater department at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 26-28 and Nov. 1-4 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 29 in Pritchard Theatre on the campus.

“The play is all about love,” said director Holly Rocke. “As Petruchio woos the feisty Katherine, we’re introduced to a host of other characters whose antics rival the modern-day ‘Desperate Housewives’ television show.” The audience will be delighted with the characters’ quick-witted repartee, nutty ideas and physical comedy, Rocke said.

Playing the feuding lovers Petruchio and Katherine are Alex Klimkewicz of Kewanee and Jessica Whitington of Oakwood. Cast in other main roles are Sara Joy Boeke of Rockford as Katherine’s sister Bianca and Eric Santman of Spring Valley, Christel Elsen of Naperville and Jordan Jesse of Varna as Bianca’s three suitors.

Rounding out the cast are Patrick Williams of Park Ridge; Aaron Ruder of Metamora; Laura Walsh of Bloomington; Tracey Cappetta of Homewood; Jason Hasty of Hanna City; Karisa Fluegel of Roscoe; Stephanie Papesh of Chicago; Aymee Joslin of Loves Park; Katie Dwyer of Naperville; Casey Meyer of Oregon; Jonathan Yeagle of Farmer City; Erin Tuch-Krause of Buffalo Grove; Kerri Hinman of Tremont; Shalea Otto of Chillicothe; Emily Collard of Mundelein; Kelly Beaty of Hoopeston; Matthew Lathrop of Mt. Carmel; and Matthew Vander Vennet and Rebecca Somogyi, both of Peoria.

Stephanie Arnold of Bardstown, Ky., is the stage manager. Lighting and technical design are by Robert Fulton of Bloomington. Costume design is by Linda Schuerman of Danvers.
Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens. Reservations should be made by phoning (309) 467-6363.

For those who don't know, Kerri was my former speech and drama student, and she's in her first play at my alma mater! :)