To Have and To Hold

It's an interesting choice to have an adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew that acknowledges and exists in a world where its source material also exists. The characters could use more development, most especially the charming and adorable Peter (Yuriy Saradov, who bears a resemblance to a young Pedro Pascal), a dream man so sweet, doting and flawless, you wonder why he would instantly fall for Kate (playwright Laura Lapidus leads the show). Unlike Shakespeare’s womanizing cad Petruchio, Peter is unassuming, gentle and almost too nice. Tedra Millan rounds out the trio and steals several scenes with her excellent portrayal of the brash bride Bianca. There's plenty to like here, and some solid laughs, effective staging and design, but the totality winds up being little more than a decent, slight rom com. Perhaps next summer's “10 Things I Hate About You” musical will prove a better modern take on the beloved and fiesty Kate.