The Actors' Gang continues its tradition of offering family-friendly adaptations of Shakespeare with "Katie the Curst."  Adapted and directed by veteran Shakespeare master Lisa Wolpe (of LA Women’s Shakespeare Company) Katie the Curst is an hour-long romp through William Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew.

In this Actors’ Gang adaptation, Katie rules a 1970s Paduan punk rock music scene in a colorful Mohawk and a blizzard of cutting language, baffling her old-school father with her independent, challenging ways. That is until plucky Parisian Petruchio presents her with the ultimate challenge of trading in her shrewish behavior for a festive life of laughter, friendship, and true love. Live rock-n-roll music, sparkling wit, acrobatics, juggling, water balloons and tossed cream pies combine in classic slapstick comedy suitable for all ages. Supporting the show both pre- and post-show is a carnival environment which features hot dogs, popcorns games and prizes of all kinds.

FREE in Media Park outside the Ivy Substation, home of The Actors' Gang in Culver City.  Shows run every Saturday and Sunday at 11am July 31 - August 29, 2010.  Bring your picnic, lawnchairs and blankets!

OF SPECIAL NOTE: On Sunday August 8th the Gang will host a free “Open House” at noon after the show – offering free snacks, a tour of the theatre, free presentations from The Actors’ Gang student board, and an introduction of the Gang’s membership, mainstage work, and community and outreach programming. All are welcome!

CHECK US OUT AT WWW.LAWITHKIDS.COM which lists our show and lots of other great things to do with families this summer in LA!

History:

The Actors’ Gang annually presents an original play adapted from Shakespeare for young audiences. The Gang’s company members create an intergenerational and multicultural production designed for family and student audiences. Performances take place in Media Park, adjacent to our home at The Ivy Substation.

It is open to the public and free of charge.

Six students from our residencies with La Ballona Elementary School, Culver City Middle School and Culver City Academy of Visual and Performing Arts (AVPA) receive paid internships and work alongside our professional company of artists both on and off stage. Our interns participate in all aspects of the production where they learn theatre vocabulary, technical and production elements, and have the opportunity to apply their knowledge through performance. A component of our outreach program, it is designed to inspire creativity, create a positive image of self and community, and foster a new generation of theatre artists, administrators, and audience members.

Previous Summer in the Park presentations include "Pericles on the High Seas," "Titus the Clownicus” "King O'Leary" and "Cymbeline The Puppet King."