Fifty Shades of Shrew

Inspired! "Fifty Shades of Shrew" succeeds by taking gender out of the equation and replacing it with a BDSM 'Dom' and 'Sub' dynamic. The result being that we witness an equal negotiation between partners, rather than a battle of the sexes. A strong ensemble delivers plenty of laughs as we watch them negotiate who has the power in the relationship. Those who shy away from Shakespeare will be drawn to it's bawdy storytelling and fresh twist on the familiar story, while Shakespeare aficionados will be pleased at how the text remains unchanged. A must-see!... full review

As a life-long lover of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shew" and now a fan of the "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy, I was certainly wondering how the two could be combined. Well it appears to be much easier than I thought given the exciting new production of "Fifty Shades of Shrew" at the Lounge Theater. The all-female cast, most members of the production company Broads' Word Theatre, are able to use the Bard's exact text and make it come alive in the most BDSM connotations possible by just using a different emphasis on words and actions that promote such fun activities as spanking, Master/Submissive games, handcuffs, and other elements which are discussed by latex-clad Mistress Kara before the play begins for the uninitiated. Standouts ... full review

I was quite thrilled to see an all female cast portray The Taming of the Shrew with a unique twist, and successfully pull it off! I had never seen anything like it. Very strong women with very strong choices really made this ensemble piece entertaining and comedic for the entire audience, and a welcome addition to this year's Fringe Festival. ... full review

For those of you who, like me, are a bit put off by any association with a certain misinformed and troublesome, yet popular work of fiction, don't let the title fool you. 50 Shades of Shrew makes it's point to pick up the slack where its namesake is found wanting. And as the premier offering of Broads' Word Theatre, makes its stamp with classic humor and kinky flair. Professional Dominatrix Mistress Kara's detailed introduction set the scene well and served as a guidebook to usher those in the audience who were perhaps less familiar with the BDSM community to the significance of some of the things we were about to witness. Undertaking any of Shakespeare's works is daunting enough, but the effort put into translating it into a world ... full review

This show is a definite must see!!! I was blown away by the talent of the cast and the entire production (Ms. Ozymandias, you have out done your self!!). If I didn't know better, I'd say that this the way the Bard intended it to be performed (maybe he did???) And oh...did I mention those costumes?... full review

Yes. Now it makes sense. Finally, a take on Taming of the Shrew actually renders Kate's transition from man-hater to devoted wife not only palatable but believable. This high-spirited production is an absolute delight, and completely sates this romantic feminist. If you dig Shakespeare, consent, and thigh-high boots, then this is a must-see.... full review

Wonderfully done, and I seriously cannot imagine The Taming of the Shrew done any other way now that I've seen this BDSM take. It makes Kate's submission empowered, sexy and fun instead of creepy, weird and misogynist. Bonus: the show's informative intro from an actual Domme gives the audience the inside intel to better understand how healthy and happy play should happen, unlike the misinformation spread by 50 Shades. The cast is really strong-- they handle the Shakespearian text with aplomb, while having a great time with it. A definite must-go for your next Fringe date night... it might inspire you to add in a fresh smack on the bottom or two. ;-)... full review

What I love about Fringe is a show willing to take chances and find something new in the material. Fifty Shades of Shrew does both, demonstrating a deep knowledge of and comfort with Shakespearean language (I mean, admit it -- how many shitty productions of Shakespeare plays have you seen in L.A.?). But Broads Word are also comfortable enough to delve deeper, revealing power struggles and even, dare I say it, happiness in the fluctuations of a relationship's balance of power. The BDSM angle could have gotten campy and annoying in about five minutes, but the performers' mastery of the words makes this a must see before it closes. The costumes are amazing, and you don't even care that the set is suggested at best. All exist to heighten the... full review

Fifty Shades of Shrew 100% delivers in their exploration of power and sex and BDSM via the lens of Taming of the Shrew. Super fun and exciting to watch! It definitely gives a new, fun element to all the banter between characters. AND it is filled with heart, including the most sympathetic Petruchio I have ever seen. The way that Kate and Petrucci come together in the end is the most uplifting, inspiring, on-par coupling I've seen accomplished in any production. I am not generally a Shakespeare fan but THIS show was sexy and delightful. Congrats to director Danielle Ozymandias... full review

This was a very spirited production with great energy. The scenes between Kate (Jennifer Albert) and Petruchio (Dawn Alden) had a subtle melancholy that was captivating. The cast worked wonderfully off of one another!... full review