EMA Review: The Taming of the Shrew Delicious ★★★★★

By Erik Engman

Author, Clown and Improvisation Teacher, Theatre Critic EatMoreArtVegas.com

IG: ErikReviewsVegas

Like many aspects of life over five hundred years old (dueling to defend your honor, emptying bodily waste into the streets, the Monarchy), there are certain things that can be perceived as problematic in today’s day and age. And even though he is considered to be the greatest writer in Western civilization, some of William Shakespeare’s plays fall into that problematic category. One of these plays is Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, a comedy about how the loutish and brutish Petruchio must “tame” the wild Katherine by bullying, starvation, and physical force so they can marry. Comedy gold? Hmmmm.

So how does one tackle such a play in 2026? You send it up! With Nevada Shakespeare Festival in partnership with The City of Henderson, Matt Morgan has adapted and directed a hilarious, sidesplitting version that is a play within a play within a play. Think Taming of the Shrew filtered through Noises Off! and The Play That Goes Wrong. It’s a mix of classical theater, comedy, slapstick, actors who comment on the text, a Security Guard who can’t operate his phone, and a set that threatens to fall apart with every move. There is your comedy gold. 

The cast is marvelous. The standout was Heidi Brucker Morgan as the feisty, sharp-tongued Katherine. Her energy and passion were amazing to behold. Matt Morgan was a close second and a perfect sparring partner as Petruchio, who killed with that ridiculous horse and shirt. I loved Aurora Maria Murphy’s portrayal of Bianca, especially when she feigned being the victim after a fight with her sister, revealing that she’s more like Katherine than she shows. Very smart choice.  

In fact, there are so many wonderful moments in this show:  Jacob Noble flouncing about as Lucentio, John Allen’s grouchy Gremio being pushed away, Christopher Aguilar as Hortensio “playing” the lyre, Dina Emerson’s wonderful portrayal of Curtis as a Scotsman, Riley Morlen sliding all over that table, and pretty much everything Jamey Maurice Clay does as the Security Guard. There is so much more; I could go on and on.

Roxy Mojica gives us a wonderful set full of teetering walls, slapsticks, and a fountain that spurts into the audience. Add to that the lighting, designed by Scott Orlesky, and the sound, designed by Matt Morgan, and you get a fun, whimsical experience. And Candice Wynants is masterful in costuming, always capturing each character's essence while staying true to the production's tone. 

The fact that Morgan can juggle the physical comedy and social commentary while also giving us a faithful, over-the-top version of Shakespeare’s play is commendable. The only quibble I have is that the dialogue was a bit hard to hear a few times, but that space is notorious for poor acoustics. Don’t let that deter you, though. As they say in the play, no one understands half of what is being said anyway. Ha! I had a fantastic time. It’s so funny. It’s a perfect family show for all ages, and the ticket prices are very affordable. 

What: Taming of the Shrew 

When: April 23-25 and April 29-May 2 at 7:30 p.m.; April 25 and 26 at 3 p.m.

Where: Cornerstone Park, 1600 Wigwam Parkway, Henderson

Tickets (including fees)/website: VIP $42.85, General Admission $16.88, Student $6.49. Pay What You Can -April 29 www.NevadaShakespeare.com

RATING: Delicious ★★★★★

Director/Adaptation: Matt Morgan; Scenic Design: Roxy Mojica; Wardrobe: Candice Wynants; Props: Justin Lex-Pirate Monkey Art; Lighting Design: Scott Orlesky; Sound Design: Matt Morgan; Production Stage Manager: Jinay Reitze; Assistant Stage Manager: Gregory McElroy.