Janine Marnien
William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" will meet the Crescenta
Valley High School's theater department today as "Kiss Me Kate" makes
its debut.
The performance opens at 7:30 tonight in the auditorium. For
female lead Jen Kursinski, the production has been a lesson in
love-hate relationships. Jen plays Lily Vannesi, a recently divorced
woman in her late 20s to early 30s.
"She's not of the most amiable nature, and she doesn't like
admitting when she's in love," Jen said. "There's a big difference
between playing a character in a typical loving relationship, versus
a love-hate relationship. There's passion behind anger."
The plot portrays Jen's character and the character of Fred
Graham. They are members of a musical company putting on a
performance of "Taming of the Shrew," which just happens to mirror
their own lives.
The production has been almost entirely student-run, theater
department Director Brent Beerman said.
"It gives them a sense of accomplishment, and they can learn how
to put on a professional show," he said.
The performance runs about two hours. There are about 40 cast
members, and about 80 students total working on the production.
