The Folger's western Taming of the Shrew, starring Kate Eastwood Norris and Cody Nickell, is a true delight.  As director Aaron Posner says himself, his Deadwood-inspired rendition is not unique, but it is no less successful for it.  Placing Shakespeare's comedy in a western-esque setting provides a strong context for a contemporary American audience, and bending the gender of several characters (Baptista is a controlling mother, for example) shifts the understanding of gender expectations in the work.

The characters are well-cast and excellently played (I particularly enjoyed not only the principle characters, but also Danny Scheie's Grumio and Holly Twyford's Tranio), and the setting and costumes are perfectly detailed, but the true icing on the cake is the inclusion of live music - Cliff Eberhardt as the Blind Balladeer that serenades each scene.

 The production is an absolute joy, and an unequivocal success.

I want, too, to say a word about the staff of the Folger.  My partner's neck injury prevents him from looking left (among other things), and when we first found our seats in the balcony it was immedietly clear he would not be able to enjoy the play, as we were seated on the left side.  I spoke with the staff member at ticket sales, who in turn called a senior staff member who did not hesitate to move our seats when I explained our concern.  I was 90% certain there was nothing that could be done but felt there was no harm in asking, so I was delighted with the care that we received.  Our seats were moved right away, and the gentleman who moved our seats came back to be sure that we were comfortable before the play began.  I was impressed because they surely weren't required to do anything, and they didn't hesitate to help us in our enjoyment of the play.

So, not only is the play wonderful, but so too are those working behind the scenes. 

Photos: http://www.dcmetrotheaterarts.com/2012/05/07/the-taming-of-the-shrew-at-folger-theatre-by-julia-exline1/