Taming of the Shrew in production at Mississippi State

One of Shakespeare's best-known early comedies, Taming is being presented in the University Theatre of McComas Hall. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. on July 8 and 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on the 9th. The first performance was July 7.

Dr. Jeffrey Elwell, associate professor of communication, is directing the five-act play. Wayne Durst, assistant communication professor, is stage designer.

Professional actors—wearing modern dress but speaking lines as The Bard wrote them—will portray the major characters. They include Kenn Stilson of Denton, Texas, and Kim Wade of Covington, Ky., in the lead male and female roles, with John Howell of Jackson as “Lucentio” and Reginald Hunter of Albany, Ga., as "Tranio." Shane Spaulding of Highland Heights, Ky., also a professional actor, is stage manager.

Dr. Greg Bentley, an associate professor of English at Mississippi State, is playing the role of "Vincentio."

"This production is made possible because of the support we have received from the university," Elwell said. "President Zacharias made $2,500 available to the Lyceum Series, which in turn, made the funds available to us. We're very grateful for this involvement of the campus community."

Other sponsors include the Communication Department, University Honors Program, College of Arts and Sciences, University Dining Services, Mississippi State Bookstore, Kinko's, Lynn Phillips Financial Ltd., and Starkville Banking Association.

Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for students. MSU students with an I.D. get in free. To make reservations, call 325-7952.