ARTS The Michigan Daily Monday, December 8, 1986 Page 5 Acting tames 'Shi By Noelle Brower This past weekend's production of The Taming of the Shrew by the University Players, was an example of a director making the most out of what he had at hand. The director in question, Philip Kerr, utilized all of his resources to shape his entirely undergraduate cast into a unified and consistent ensemble. Unfortunately for Kerr, the cast responded only in part to his apt and, at times, inspiring direction. When approaching a text by Shakespeare, even as uncomplicated a text as Shrew , two distinct problems arise. First, the director must decide whether or not he or she should 'update' some of the more obscure words and or phrases of Shakespeare (purists would balk at the suggestion!). Secondly, and this was especially true of the young cast in last weekend's production, Shakespeare's dialogue and onomatopoeic phrasiology are at times so complex that only a handful of actors have ever conquered their difficulty with the text. Certainly, anticipated difficulty in a production, any 'production, should be looked upon as a challenge to be conquered and not an insurmountable obstacle. Therefore, Kerr scattered substi- tution of various words and sayings of Shakespeare for more contemporary ones was inconsistent and sounded out of place while the actors' diction, when intelligible, was slurred. Shakespeare is wonderful not only because of the wisdom in his sayings but because of the lyrical resonance of his language. The cast of Shrew, especially the principals, whipped through their lines at such a clip that at times it seemed as if they were trying to see who could finish his or her lines the quickest. This could be partially because of Kerr's coaching or the desire on the part of the actors to get through their lines (at times the actors did seem relieved at the end of long passages). However, through the confusion, Kerr's even-paced and subtle direction shone in this up-dated, 1930's version of the play. Especially inspired was the lazzi he choreographed with the minor characters, who really carried the play on their shoulders. Sharon Rosin, as Luchella, was outstan - ding considering the fact that she didn't have any lines until the last act. Her portrayal of the drunken widow completely upstaged the rest of the cast; after her first bit, the audience perked up every time she came on stage. Kerr also worked comedic magic with his interpretation of Petruchio's house servants as soccer-crazed ew' manservants. They also helped change sets. Best of all, however, was the bona fide feast at the climax of the play that felt so real, so Italian, that many mouths in the audience must have been watering. It was this attention to details that lifted Shrew from mediocrity. IIOL Mark The Date For December's HOLIDAY FASHION SI Wednesday, December 10 12:00-2:00 pm at Tivoli Restaurant Featuring Fashions 'n' Things and Young World Hair and Make-up by Audi Hay RlOW ,es 63-7877 Fri. 9-3' Sat 7-3 Sunday 9-2 sed NMond~ay_ & Holiday, Tom Gallup (Petruchino) and Christine Mourod (Katherine) appeared in the University Players' production of 'The Taming of the Shrew.' McFerrin inspires holiday spirit Michigan Daily ARTS 763-0379 KERRYTOWN Between E. Kingsley and Catherine St. 415 N. 5th Ave. 4? Q) * 6( Tues.-1 (c By Marc S. Taras Ho! Ho! Ho! Just in time to' relieve shopping angst and severe cases of final exam nerves! Bobby McFerrin is back in town to offer a timely dose of his inspiring improvisational singing. This is certainly the finest holiday treat that Eclipse Jazz could hope to provide the busy citizens of Treetown this December. Tonight the Power Center will be made cozier than your own living room when Bobby McFerrin takes the stage. The fire will be lit at 8:00 p.m. and the chestnuts will be roasting and the -marshmallows toasting shortly thereafter. Bobby McFerrin knows what he wants to dp, and does it well. He will make you laugh and cry and simply sigh with wonder at his amazing vocalise while, quite obviously, having a great time, himself. He may come by his vocal abilities naturally; both of his parents were classical singers. His father was a baritone for the Metropolitan Opera (heard dubbing Sidney Poitier's vocal parts in the great film version of Porgy and Bess ). By the time he was in high school McFerrin was playing piano and leading "lounge-type" instru - mental groups. When his ears were inverted and his head turned around by Miles Davis' Bitches Brew LP in 1970, McFerrin began to chart new terrain. He found the concerts of the Davis ensemble to be particularly exciting and was attracted to the music of pianist Keith Jarrett (then a Davis sideman). McFerrin would later acknowledge Jarrett's influnece upon his decision to approach solo improvisational concerts. McFerrin continued his studies at Sacramento State University and Cerritos College and worked as a keyboardist in a variety of lounge rand show contexts through the. :middle seventies. In 1977 he heard fan inner voice telling him that he should be singing. He isolated himself artistically and after some woodshedding successfully honed a remarkably original vocal style. He 's singer, percussionist, instru - metalist and more. His perfor - mances arc spontaneous and convey ,his warmth and congenial nature. He presents songstyling for the moment, expressly tailored for the time and the audience. Along the way Bobby McFerrin has received kudus and props from fellow performers and friends. The legendary father of vocalise, Jon L Hendricks hnlnnr1 McTerrin to take guest on numerous records with other artists. He has been heard with Weather Report and received a Grammy for his work with Manhattan Transfer. He sang the trumpet-style lead on the title track from the film Round Midnight (which must be heard more than once to be believed). And he has worked all the major clubs as well as being in demand for festival appearances. I recall Bobby McFerrin's first Ann Arbor engagement with a special glow. It was Valentine's time, two years ago at the Ark. McFerrin captured the crowd's hearts and ears with his special grace and humor. He made all things new; imagine 200 people singing "the itsy-bitsy spider..." repleat with hand gestures, or joining in the chorus of the Beverly hillbillies TV theme. His reading of the Beatles' "Blackbird" can make you cry. And now Bobby McFerrin is back in town with tidings of comfort and joy. Comfort and Joy. Tonight at the Power Center all things will be made new anew. Bobby McFerrin will amazeand delight you. He will set the child inside of you free. And that's just what Bobby McFerrin wants to dd. Enjoy! a 20 Minutes to Rose Bowl/ Per Night. Single/Double Occupancy. Highly rated hotel with the finest in service and accommodations, including 24 hour room service. Superior American andJapanese Restaurants. 10-30 min- utes frofri leading Sduthern California attractions: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood and beaches. Call (213) 629-1200 or toll free (800) 421-8795. Ask for Rose Bowl rates (valid December 29 through January 3). HOTEL & GARDEN LOS ANGELES 120 S. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 PACKAGE DROP SHOP Complete Shipping Service Need to send a package? Need boxes or packing supplies? PACKAGE DROP SHOP 617 E. University, Suite 211 668-8806 Above Taco Bell STUDENT HOLIDAY SPECIAL HAVE A BEAUTIFUL TAN FOR THE HOLIDAYS 10 sessions - $36.00 5 sessions - $20.00 with this coupon west side Gat c~ uU on campus 1896 W. Stadium 216 S. State q662 -2 02 R 747-8844 : 6-0STUDENT ID REQUIRED MustNbe purchased at on-campus location *y No other offers or coupons apply Expires 12-31-86 320 S STATE STREET . Phone 663-4121 - ANN ARBOR MICH A VERY SPECIAL GIFT FOR THAT VERY SPECIAL PERSON RICHARDSON'S HAS A LARGE SELECTION OF BAUSCH & LOMB'S RAY BAN SUNGLASSES Also ALL OF OUR QUALITY AMITY LEATHER WALLETS ARE DISCOUNTED A n nl- ruarn u n w GO BLUE,CO BLUE! F . NGS EA pSN NG DNS Y/ FLAS8 ON! * Flas Of S1 the * A ti pow Av ORDER NOW! QUANTITY STYLES "M" DESIGN W/MAIZE ROSE BLUEDIAMONDS PINK HEARTS RED HEARTS PURPLE MOONS ..... shing Earrings/Pins come in a variety tyles and colors, including Rose Bowl "M" design. ny microbattery behind the Earring/Pin iers the on-off action for over 70 hours! ailable in time for X-mas! EARRINGS! $9.95 2 for $18 Name Address City State Zip Phone Total Order D ~~^ $ 1 I OSaeiu(IIfliiUIIU IiD .uIJ I