The Taming of the Shrew

Arranged marriage, with the opportunistic groom taking on a wasp-like, unwilling bride, primarily because she stands to inherit a pile of money from her father. And the whole thing’s played for laughs. That’s the agenda in this durable Shakespeare comedy, which has gone somewhat out of fashion in modern times. But director Scott Gilbert doesn’t interpret Petruchio’s “taming” of the prickly Kate literally. Actually, Gilbert doesn’t take anything seriously in this highly physical, pop-culture-drenched creampuff of a show, which updates the 400-year-old script with 25-year-old pop by Whitney Houston, Prince and Pat Benatar. It’s funny and irreverent, though perhaps a bit too much of a good thing. But we admired Carolyn Howarth (in black leather) as the independent Kate and Scott Coopwood as her wild (but ultimately gentle) suitor.
Lake Tahoe Shakespeare Festival, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays; $22-$67 midweek, $27-$72 weekend. Alternating with Romeo and Juliet at Sand Harbor on the Nevada shoreline; (800) 74-SHOWS, www.laketahoeshakespeare.com. Through August 19.