“The Taming” is an irreverent political satire that fills the senses with wit while exciting the intellect with a more profound message.
~Review and Photos by Dana Nöllsch~
More about “The Taming”
Katherine, played by Alexandra Jobe, is a beauty pageant winner who yearns for more from her life and has a plan to make a lasting impact on the world around her. Patricia, played by Wendy Feign, is a jaded, former idealist Republican heavily involved in high-level politics. Bianca, played by Rachel Douglass, is an Internet influencer whose head is filled with delusions of power.
When these three come together, there’s political conflict, but can they find common ground?
In Lauren Gunderson’s The Taming, we find these three women hatching a plan to change the way our government works. This is a timely action to take, given our current situation. The plan, in a nutshell, is to review our constitution and update it for current times.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this is not a preachy play that will make you feel uncomfortable or cause you to doubt our political system. Those doubts may already be there, and that is part of the fuel that gives The Taming so much energy.
The thing about Lauren Gunderson’s plays is that she cleverly feeds you just enough to keep you locked into the story but holds back a little bit for the next scene, and in The Taming, she does this brilliantly. Some twists took me by surprise, and I do not doubt that they will take you by surprise as well.
There is a drug-fueled dream sequence that feels like Schoolhouse Rock without the music. Yes, there is an educational element to The Taming. This element of subtle education is quite delightful.
Even though these three ladies start as adversaries, the twist at the end brings everything together seamlessly. After seeing The Taming, you will walk away feeling that even though this country is polarized, our common goals are not as far away from each other as we may think, perhaps?
What about the Performances
The cast demonstrates a remarkable generosity in their performances, both towards one another and the audience. As an ensemble, they blend together exceptionally well, which is a rare and valuable quality.
Also, there is a palpable passion in the performances of these actors. Watching them perform is truly a delight.
The Bottom Line
The Taming is so exquisitely written and politically neutral; well, both sides are fair game, so that works. Politically, our country is highly polarized, but Lauren Gunderson was able to create a politically charged play that combines humor and depth. You will walk away, knowing that you had a good time without feeling the political angst of the moment.
The Taming
Directed by D.A. Mishler
Cast
Patricia – Wendy Feign
Katherine – Alexandra Jobe
Bianca – Rachel Douglass
Performance Dates
Aug 22th, 23th, 24th, 25th
Sept 5th, 6th 7th. 8th
Purchase tickets here: cur8.com
Restless Artists Theatre Company
295 20th Street, Sparks
775 525-3074
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