Book by PAUL T. NOLAN Music by ARNE CHRISTIANSEN Lyrics by OLE KITTLESON. Copyright 1999, by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc.

Transcription

1 A Musical in Two Acts Adapted from William Shakespeare s The Taming of the Shrew Book by PAUL T. NOLAN Music by ARNE CHRISTIANSEN Lyrics by OLE KITTLESON Copyright 1999, by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc. PERFORMANCE LICENSE The amateur acting rights to this play are controlled exclusively by PIONEER DRAMA SERVICE, INC., P.O. Box 4267, Englewood, Colorado 80155, without whose permission no performance, reading or presentation of any kind may be given. On all programs and advertising this notice must appear: Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., Englewood, Colorado. copying or reproducing all or any part of this book in any manner is strictly forbidden by law. All other rights in this play, including those of professional production, radio broadcasting and motion picture rights, are controlled by Pioneer Drama Service, Inc., to whom all inquiries should be addressed.

2 BEST BEWARE MY STING A Musical in Two Acts Adapted from William Shakespeare s The Taming of the Shrew Book by PAUL T. NOLAN Music by ARNE CHRISTIANSEN Lyrics by OLE KITTLESON CAST OF CHARACTERS BAPTISTA...a gentleman of Padua LUCENTIO...a suitor, in love with Bianca HORTENSIO...a suitor, in love with Bianca PETRUCHIO...suitor to Katherine GRUMIO...servant to Petruchio TRANIO...servant to Lucentio BIONDELLO...servant to Hortensio KATHERINE...the shrew, daughter to Baptista BIANCA...the younger daughter of Baptista CAMBIO...the last suitor to Bianca WIDOW...wealthy pursuer of Hortensio KATHERINE S MAIDSERVANT... on the firing lines every day BIANCA S MAIDSERVANT... faithful companion SERVANT...servant to the house of Baptista FIRST MAID...servant to the house of Baptista SECOND MAID...servant to the house of Petruchio THIRD MAID...servant to the house of Baptista ADDITIONAL SERVANTS... as desired GUESTS, TOWNSPEOPLE... as desired ii

3 MUSICAL CUES MC 1 MC 2 MC 3 MC 3a MC 4 MC 5 MC 6 ACT ONE Overture...Instrumental Here in Padua...Townspeople, Servants, Maids and Widow What Should a Father Do?...Baptista, Lucentio, Hortensio, Tranio, Biondello, Widow and Townspeople Change of Scene Music...Instrumental Such Devoted Sisters...Katherine and Bianca Best Beware My Sting...Petruchio and Katherine What Should a Suitor Do?...Lucentio, Hortensio, Tranio, Biondello, Widow, Servants, Maids and Townspeople ACT TWO MC 7 Entr acte...instrumental MC 8 Toast the Bride...All MC 8a Change of Scene Music...Instrumental MC 9 Food! Food! Food!...Petruchio, Katherine, Grumio and Servants MC 9a Change of Scene Music...Instrumental MC 10 Ode to Bianca...Lucentio and Hortensio MC 10a Change of Scene Music...Instrumental MC 10b Change of Scene Music...Instrumental MC 10c Change of Scene Music...Instrumental MC 11 The Wager...Baptista, Lucentio, Hortensio, Grumio, Tranio, Biondello, Cambio, Widow, Petruchio, Servants and Townspeople MC 12 Finale...All MC 12a Bow Music...Instrumental MC 12b Exit Music...Instrumental iii

4 SYNOPSIS OF SCENES The action takes place in Padua, Italy, in front of and inside the home of BAPTISTA MINOLA and at PETRUCHIO S country house, some time in the sixteenth century. ACT ONE Scene One: A public place in Padua, outside the homes of BAPTISTA MINOLA (and his daughters KATHERINE [KATE] and BIANCA), HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO. Scene Two: A room in BAPTISTA S house, full of feuding sisters and scheming suitors. ACT TWO Scene One: Outside BAPTISTA S home. KATE is madly mated. PETRUCHIO is madly Kated. Scene Two: A room of PETRUCHIO S country house. The taming begins. Scene Three: Outside BAPTISTA S home. BIANCA S suitors thwarted. Scene Four: PETRUCHIO S house. More taming. Scene Five: A country background scene. On the way to BIANCA S wedding. Scene Six: BAPTISTA S home. A test of wives. THE SET Street scenes are played on the apron of the stage, before the drawn curtain. Three backdrops represent the city of Padua (with the exteriors of the homes of BAPTISTA, HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO), the exterior of BAPTISTA S home, and a country road. When the curtain is lifted, the interior scene is a room of BAPTISTA S house in ACT ONE, and in ACT TWO a room of PETRUCHIO S country house and later BAPTISTA S house again. These two interior scenes can be accomplished with minor furniture changes. iv

5 BEST BEWARE MY STING ACT ONE Scene One A public place in Padua. The APRON of the stage is used in this scene to represent a public place. The CURTAIN, drawn closed, is decorated so that it represents the exterior of the home of BAPTISTA MINOLA and his two daughters, KATHERINE and BIANCA, as well as the exteriors of the houses of HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO. MUSIC CUE 1: Overture. AT RISE: The TOWNSPEOPLE of Padua are greeting each other in a public place. They are going about the business of their morning shopping, various chores and greeting each other warmly as they pass each other on the street. MUSIC CUE 2: Here in Padua. Music vamps under. All lines are spoken until vocal begins. TOWNSPERSON #1: (To #2. Speaks.) Buon giorno, buon giorno! TOWNSPERSON #2: (To #1. Speaks.) Good morning, signor. TOWNSPERSON #3: (To #4. Speaks.) Good morning, signora. TOWNSPERSON #4: (To #3. Speaks.) Buon giorno, signora! TOWNSPERSON #3: (To #4. Speaks.) You are looking well today, signora. TOWNSPERSON #4: (To #3. Speaks.) Grazie, grazie. What a beautiful day for shopping in the marketplace. WIDOW: (Overhearing. Speaks.) Yes, all of the vegetables will be fresh. TOWNSPERSON #3/TOWNSPERSON #4: (Ad lib an argument.) TOWNSPERSON #1: (To #2. Speaks.) Has your daughter returned from her visit to Venice? How did she find the Grand Canal? TOWNSPERSON #2: (To #1. Speaks.) Full of garbage! WIDOW: (To anyone who will listen. Speaks.) I, too, have visited Venice. Since my husband passed on and left me a widow, I have seen most of Italy. Believe me, Naples and Florence are nothing but big cities. TOWNSPERSON #1: (Speaks.) Why would anyone want to leave Padua? Everything we need is right here! ALL TOWNSPEOPLE: (Ad libs of agreement. Sing.) It s a friendly spot we will all agree and the finest town in all Italy. We are happy here and so proud that we live in Padua. 1

6 With its sunny skies and each olive tree And its breezes from the Adriatic Sea And a world-renowned university here in Padua. And we have to say another plus is we re not too near Vesuvius, So we have to add we re awfully glad we live in Padua. It is not Milan and it isn t Rome, But it s sweeter than the sweetest honeycomb. Let us all rejoice that our home-sweet-home s here in Padua. Come and meet your friends in the village square, Smell the scent of mozzarella in the air. And each clove of garlic cannot compare outside Padua. And another thing that makes life so fine is Each grape that grows on every single vine Makes us have to brag that the finest wine comes from Padua. Though the Vatican is Romanesque And Tower of Pisa s picturesque, We would never stray to old Pompeii cause we have Padua. It is not Milan and it isn t Rome, But it s sweeter than the sweetest honeycomb. Let us all rejoice that our home-sweet-home s here in Padua! So keep your Verona; don t give me Barcelona; Not even old Salerno or Capri Can compare with Padua, Italy! (At end of song, BAPTISTA ENTERS RIGHT with his daughters, KATHERINE AND BIANCA and their two MAIDSERVANTS. They are followed by HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO, BIANCA S suitors, and their servants, TRANIO and BIONDELLO. TOWNSPEOPLE and WIDOW form into small groups, but do not exit.) BAPTISTA: (Waving his hands to indicate to the two suitors that he will listen no longer.) Gentlemen, gentlemen, ask no more For now I am firmly resolved, you know, Not to bestow my youngest daughter, Bianca, Until I have a husband for the elder. (He pauses and looks at two suitors.) Now, if either of you love Katherine... (The suitors look away. BAPTISTA speaks rapidly.) Because I know you well and love you well, I ll give you leave to court her at your pleasure. (TRANIO and BIONDELLO move DOWNSTAGE from the group.) Well, Hortensio, would you court Katherine? 2

7 HORTENSIO: Well, my lord, er... ah... oh... oh. BAPTISTA: Or you, good Lucentio? LUCENTIO: Ah... I... er... well... BAPTISTA: Then neither of you wants to court Katherine? TRANIO: (To BIONDELLO.) Court her? My master is not so wild. BIONDELLO: (To TRANIO.) If she were mine, I d cart her. She s too rough for me. HORTENSIO: Lucentio, wouldn t you like to wed Katherine? KATHERINE: I pray you, sir, is it your intent To make me a mate with one of these foolish jops? BAPTISTA: Mate, maid! What do you mean by that? No mate for you, unless you learn a gentler, milder mold. KATHERINE: Then by heavens, you shall never need to fear. What should I do with men as these, Unless it be to comb their noddles With a three-legged stool and paint their faces, And use them for fools? TRANIO: From such a devil, the Lord deliver my master. BIONDELLO: And mine, too, good Lord. TRANIO: I think the wench must be mad. BIONDELLO: But her sister is nowise like her. In her sober silence do I see, A maid s mild behavior and serenity. BAPTISTA: Well then, gentlemen, since you have no reply, I ll remove my youngest daughter from your eye. Bianca, get you in. (BIANCA goes to door of house with her MAIDSERVANT.) But do not be displeased, my good, sweet Bianca, For I will love thee never the less, my girl. KATHERINE: If she had sense enough, she d cry for that. BIANCA: Sister, be content with my discontent. If my tears make you happy, I shall weep. Father, if it be your will, I shall obey, And books will be my only company. 3

8 HORTENSIO: Ah, listen, Lucentio. She speaks like Minerva. LUCENTIO: Signor Baptista, will you be so inhuman As to make so sweet an angel grieve? HORTENSIO: Yes, why will you lock her up, Signor Baptista, (Pointing at KATHERINE.) For this fiend of hell, And make Bianca bear the penance of her sister s tongue? BAPTISTA: Gentlemen, no more complaints. I am resolved. Go in, Bianca. (EXIT BIANCA and her MAIDSERVANT into house.) And yet, think me not, gentlemen, unfeeling. For well I know she takes most delight In music, instruments and poetry. Schoolmasters will I keep within my house Fit to instruct her youth. If you, Hortensio, Or Signor Lucentio, you, know any such, Send them to me; for to educated men I will be kind, and being so will be Generous to mine own children in good bringing up. And so, farewell, gentlemen. Katherine, you may stay, For I have more to say to Bianca. (BAPTISTA moves toward house.) KATHERINE: And I may leave here, too, may I not? Or shall I be appointed hours as though, belike, I did not have sense to know when to stay And when to leave? Ha! (EXIT KATHERINE and her MAIDSERVANT into house.) HORTENSIO: (After KATHERINE EXITS.) You may go to the devil s mother, And nobody here will delay you. (MUSIC CUE 3: What Should a Father Do? ) BAPTISTA: (Speaks over music.) Tell me, was ever a parent more frustrated by Such affectionate, lovable, yet perplexing maidens? (Sings.) I am blessed and cursed with daughters, One s an angel, one s a shrew. I m afraid they ll never marry. Tell me, what should a father do? ALL: (Sing.) What to do, what to do? Tell him what should a father do? 4

9 BAPTISTA: (Sings.) Fair Bianca is a treasure, Sweet as honey through and through. Katherine s a sour lemon. Tell me, what should a father do? ALL: (Sing.) What to do, what to do? Tell him what should a father do? BAPTISTA: (Sings.) My poor nerves are all a-jangle, Aches and pains rush round in my head. My poor nerves will not untangle til they both are wed. Dear Bianca s even-tempered, always pleasant, always nice. Katherine is overbearing, too much pepper and too much spice. ALL: (Sing.) One is kind, always nice, One is pepper and too much spice. BAPTISTA: (Sings.) My Bianca is a darling. She will make each dream come true. Katherine will give you nightmares. Tell me, what should a father do? ALL: (Sing.) What to do, what to do? Tell him what should a father do? BAPTISTA: (Sings.) All the men chase dear Bianca, She s the one they all pursue. No one chases her dear sister. Tell me, what should a father do? ALL: (Sing.) What to do, what to do? Tell him what should a father do? BAPTISTA: (Sings.) Ev ry thought I have is muddled, Topsy-turvy, I am a mess. I am sure I ll stay befuddled til they both say yes. Sweet Bianca s sugarcoated, all of this and heaven, too. Katherine is fire and brimstone. Tell me, what should a father do? ALL: (Sing.) What to do, what to do? Tell him/me what should a father do? (At end of song, BAPTISTA EXITS into the house. TOWNSPEOPLE EXIT STAGE RIGHT and STAGE LEFT leaving LUCENTIO, HORTENSIO, TRANIO and BIONDELLO ONSTAGE.) HORTENSIO: (To LUCENTIO.) Well, there it is, Lucentio. We are both out, but for the love I bear my sweet Bianca 5

10 I ll see if I can find a teacher that will suit her father And please my love. LUCENTIO: So will I, Signor Hortensio. But one word with you, I pray. Though since we both love Bianca, we are rivals to the death, Yet now we must find the means to be rivals again for Bianca s love. We need a plan. HORTENSIO: To do what? LUCENTIO: To find a husband for her sister. HORTENSIO: A husband! A devil would be better. LUCENTIO: I say a husband. HORTENSIO: And I say a devil. Although her father is very rich, Lucentio, any man would be a fool to marry into hell. LUCENTIO: Tush, Hortensio. Although it is beyond your patience And mine to endure Katherine s bellowing voice, Why, man, there be good fellows in the world who would be Glad to take her with all her faults. If we looked, we could light on such a fellow. Especially since there is money enough. HORTENSIO: Maybe so, but as for me I d rather earn my money Being whipped each day at high noon in the public square Than win it with a dowry being married to that ugly bear. LUCENTIO: Faith, as you say, There s small choice in rotten apples. But let s work together, Hortensio. Since Baptista s law makes us allies, Let s labor together to find a husband for Katherine And set Bianca free for us. Then our rivalry can begin again. Sweet Bianca! Happy will be the man who gets her. He that runs fastest gets the ring. What do you say, Hortensio? Shall we join forces to sweep the shrew Into a wedding gown? HORTENSIO: I am agreed. And to help in the wooing of Katherine, I would give the best horse in Padua to that man 6

11 Who would thoroughly woo her, wed her and bed her, And set Bianca free of her! TRANIO: (To LUCENTIO.) Master, may I speak with you aside? BIONDELLO: (To HORTENSIO.) Master, let us speak privately. (TRANIO and LUCENTIO move to DOWNSTAGE LEFT; BIONDELLO and HORTENSIO to DOWNSTAGE RIGHT. During this scene, each MASTER-SERVANT pair behaves exactly like the other and their separate speeches fit like a single speech.) TRANIO: Master, do you truly love this maid, Bianca? LUCENTIO: Do fish love water? HORTENSIO: (Answering BIONDELLO.) Do birds love to fly? BIONDELLO: Then, I pray you, sir, if you love the maid TRANIO: Bend thoughts and wits to win her. This is how it stands: Her elder sister BIONDELLO: That curst, that shrew Kate, Keeps your lady love locked up at home Until Baptista finds a husband for her. HORTENSIO: Ah, Biondello, What a cruel and heartless father he is. LUCENTIO: But what is there to do? I cannot even see my fair Bianca For now she will be locked at home. Advise me, good Tranio. TRANIO: You will be schoolmaster, And undertake the teaching of the maid: That s your device. LUCENTIO: It is? May it be done? TRANIO: It is. Change your dress to hide your real identity, And who will know? BIONDELLO: (Nodding toward other pair.) But say no word, Or all will be discovered. HORTENSIO: It s true. Lucentio is not to be trusted. LUCENTIO: Hortensio would certainly expose me. HORTENSIO: It s true, I promised to be his ally. 7

12 LUCENTIO: But all s fair in love and war. LUCENTIO/HORTENSIO: (Together to their SERVANTS.) I ll do it. (They then turn in unison to face each other, smiling.) Well, good friend and trusted ally... (Both laugh and come together.) LUCENTIO: You were saying, good Hortensio? HORTENSIO: Ah, you speak first, my faithful ally. LUCENTIO: Oh. Well, I was saying... what was I saying? Oh, yes, I was saying we are agreed to serve as allies. HORTENSIO: Ah, allies, friends. LUCENTIO: And sign a truce in our rivalry for fair Bianca. HORTENSIO: Until we find a mate for Katherine. It is agreed. BIONDELLO: (Aside to HORTENSIO.) We should leave now, sir, So that you may find the scholar s dress That will open the door to your lover s address to fair Bianca. HORTENSIO: (Aside to BIONDELLO.) True, I ll steal a march on my opponent Before he realizes the battle has begun. (Openly to LUCENTIO.) Well, good friend, Lucentio, I ll now go home and think which way To find a man to woo the shrew. LUCENTIO: I ll give my thought to that subject, too. HORTENSIO: And we are both agreed that we are Allies in all things until Katherine is wed. LUCENTIO: In all things. HORTENSIO: It is good to know that one may trust his friend. LUCENTIO: What good is a friend if he prove not trustworthy? HORTENSIO: True. True. Well, I ll go now and prepare our way. There must be a man somewhere. (EXIT HORTENSIO and BIONDELLO to their house.) TRANIO: Now, master, you have winked him good. While he labors to advance your common cause to rid Baptista s house of the shrew, you now can find a costume That will pass you as a schoolteacher and by that ruse So climb from the scholar s page to your lady s heart. 8

13 LUCENTIO: I ll go and find a scholar and beg his rags So that I may pass for a learned man. But mind your manners and watch your tongue, Tranio, That you do not expose my plan to Hortensio. (EXIT LUCENTIO OFF RIGHT.) TRANIO: You may trust me, master. (To audience.) And this is the way Fine gentlemen their loves pursue, Climbing into my lady s chamber On a ladder of broken promises And betrayed friends. Well, I ll stay here and watch Hortensio s house for my master. A rogue s watch it is, and a rogue s man I am. (TRANIO goes DOWNSTAGE LEFT and stands. ENTER PETRUCHIO and his servant GRUMIO from LEFT. TRANIO sees them, but they do not see him. He eavesdrops on the following exchange.) PETRUCHIO: Verona, for a while I take my leave To see my friends in Padua; but first of all My best beloved and approved friend, Hortensio. (Stops before HORTENSIO S door.) And I believe this is his house. Here, Grumio, knock, I say. GRUMIO: Knock, sir? Whom should I knock? Is there any man who has abused your worship? PETRUCHIO: (Grabs him by the ear.) Knock on that door. I have no time for your foolish prattle. GRUMIO: Help, help, my master has gone mad. (HORTENSIO ENTERS in scholar s gown.) HORTENSIO: Now what s the matter? My old friend, Grumio! And my good friend Petruchio. What are you doing in Padua? And with your hands full of Grumio s ear? PETRUCHIO: The fool would play the wit with me. (Releasing GRUMIO.) I bade the rascal knock on your door, And he would not understand me. GRUMIO: He said nothing about your door. He said that I should knock, and I said PETRUCHIO: Villain, be gone or talk no more, I warn you. 9

14 HORTENSIO: Petruchio, peace. Grumio s his master s servant and seeks but to Imitate him whom he serves. But tell me now, sweet friend, what happy gale Blows you to Padua here from old Verona? PETRUCHIO: Such wind as scatters young men through the world To seek their fortunes farther than at home, Where small expenses grow. In brief, I ve come Happily to wive and thrive as best I may. Crowns in my purse I need and goods at home, And so am come abroad to see the world. HORTENSIO: Petruchio, shall I ask you directly: Do you wish a shrewd, ill-favored wife? I ll promise thee that she shall be rich, And very rich, but, no, thou art too much my friend, And I ll not wish her off on thee. PETRUCHIO: Hortensio, if you do rightly know One rich enough to be Petruchio s wife, Be she as foul as was the ugly hag, As old as Mother Time and as curst and shrewd As Socrates Zanthippe, she will do with gold. I come to wive it wealthily in Padua; If wealthily, then happily in Padua. GRUMIO: Give him gold enough, sir, And marry him to a puppet Or an old trot with never a tooth in her head, Though she has as many diseases As two-and-fifty horses. Why, nothing s wrong if money s in the bargain. HORTENSIO: Petruchio, since we ve gone this far, I will continue what I broached in jest. I can, Petruchio, help thee to a wife With wealth enough, and young and beauteous, Brought up as best becomes a gentlewoman. Her only fault and this is fault enough Is that she is intolerably curst And shrewd and forward; so beyond all measure That were my state far worse than it is I would not wed her for a mine of gold. 10

15 PETRUCHIO: That is, Hortensio, Because you do not know gold s value. Tell me her father s name, and it s enough. I will board her though she chide as loud As thunder when the clouds in autumn crack. HORTENSIO: Her father is Baptista Minola, An affable and courteous gentleman. Her name is Katherine Minola, Renowned in Padua for her scolding tongue. PETRUCHIO: I know her father, though I know not her. But I ll not sleep, Hortensio, till I see her. Will you accompany me now? GRUMIO: Don t delay him, sir. On my word, if she knew him as well as I do She would think scolding would do little good with him. She may, perhaps, call him names, but that s nothing. I tell you, sir, once Signor Petruchio lets fly with his tongue He ll leave her whiplashed. HORTENSIO: I ll go with you, Petruchio, For in Baptista s keeping my treasure is. He hath the jewel of my life in hold, His youngest daughter, beautiful Bianca, And her withholds from me and all others. He has given orders that none may come to Bianca Till Katherine the curst has got a husband. GRUMIO: Katherine the curst! A title for a maid of all titles the worst. HORTENSIO: But my good friend, Petruchio, do me grace And offer me, disguised in sober robes, To old Baptista as a schoolmaster Well versed in music, to instruct Bianca. By this device, I may at least Have time and chance to make love to her And unsuspected court her by herself. PETRUCHIO: I love a plot and am your man. I know a scholar by the name of Cambio. You shall become him, and in so doing become wed. GRUMIO: And there s no knavery here. 11

16 To beguile the old folks and win a bride is Ever a young man s game. HORTENSIO: I need but add a few touches to my disguise And then I can go with you. But good friend, Petruchio, And you too, Grumio, say not a word about this ruse. My rival, Lucentio, is not to be trusted, And if he knew my plan I don t know what he d do. Now listen to me and speak fair. Will you take to woo the curst Katherine; Yes, and to marry her if her dowry please? PETRUCHIO: Why came I hither but to that intent? I know she is an irksome, brawling scold. If that is her only fault, I know no harm. Think you a little din can daunt mine ears? Have I not in my time heard lions roar? Have I not heard the sea, puffed up with winds, Rage like an angry boar chafed with sweat? Have I not heard great ordnance in the field And heaven s artillery thunder in the skies? And do you tell me of a woman s tongue, That gives not half so great a blow to hear As will a chestnut in a farmer s fire? Tush, tush! Fear boys with bugs. GRUMIO: (Aside.) For he fears none. HORTENSIO: If it be so, sir, that you are the man, Then you are he I m most in need of; And if you break the ice and do this feat, Win the elder and set the younger free, And help me to access to Bianca whom I love, You ll not find me ungrateful in days to come. (Looks OFF LEFT.) But quick, into the house, Here comes my rival, Lucentio. (EXIT GRUMIO, HORTENSIO and PETRUCHIO into HORTENSIO S house.) TRANIO: (Creeps forth and watches the three disappear.) So that s the plot they lay against my master. And that s the plot my master lays, too, If Signor Hortensio will play the music master, Then Signor Lucentio will teach her such words That make a young maid s heart race to the voice That knows such words of love. 12

17 Now comes my noble lord, Lucentio; And now the battle s on. (Starts OFF LEFT.) Good master... good master. (BLACKOUT. The CURTAIN is pulled back for Scene Two. MUSIC CUE 3a: Change of Scene Music. ) End of Scene One ACT ONE Scene Two LIGHTS UP: A room in BAPTISTA S house. ENTER KATHERINE and BIANCA, with her hands tied. Each has a MAIDSERVANT cowering in the background. MUSIC CUE 4: Such Devoted Sisters. BIANCA: (Speaks.) Good sister, wrong me not, nor wrong yourself, To make a bondsmaid and slave of me. KATHERINE S MAIDSERVANT: (Speaks. Aside.) Or me! BIANCA: (Speaks.) Unbind my hands, or I ll pull them off myself, Yea, and all my dress, too, to my petticoat. Sister, give me what command you will, I ll do it. I know my duty to my elders. Oh sister, oh sister, my dearest one, tell me, Why are you so cruel? Untie my wrists, I beg of you. Why do we fight this duel? KATHERINE: (Sings.) Oh sister, oh dear sister, My precious darling sister, You ask me why my heart is full of hate? The reason is so simple, the reason is our father Who loves Bianca more than he loves Kate. BIANCA: (Speaks over music.) Why do you persist in this falsehood? Father has told us many times he loves us equally. We are both his precious daughters. He is not partial more to me than you. KATHERINE: (Speaks over music.) Rubbish! You are the favorite! Just as you are the favorite of our suitors. Tell me at once and no lies. Of all the suitors, whom do you love the best? 13

18 BIANCA: (Speaks over music.) Believe me sister, of all the men alive I never yet beheld that special face Which I could fancy more than any other. (Sings.) Oh sister, oh sister, Hortensio has an air of charm and grace. Lucentio is handsome, yes, but not that special face. KATHERINE: (Sings.) Oh sister, oh dear sister, My precious darling sister, Why not reveal the one you love the best? Stop being so dishonest, stop being so untruthful, Reveal the one with which you re most impressed. BIANCA: (Speaks over music.) I am not dishonest. I am not untruthful. I love neither, nor am I impressed with either. I am weary of your tantrums and your overbearing self-importance. Your tongue of venom grows tiresome. KATHERINE: (Speaks over music.) My tongue of venom Sees you for what you are and speaks the truth. You are nothing more than a simpering, arrogant prima donna. Your patronizing, condescending ways set my teeth on edge. BIANCA: (Sings.) You re jealous, you re jealous, Your face is red and your eyes blazing green. You re nothing but a common frump, who fancies she s a queen. KATHERINE: (Sings.) That does it, yes, that does it. Don t try to say you re sorry. I think instead, you d better say your prayers. For you are at my mercy and I intend, dear sister, To throw you down the nearest flight of stairs! BIANCA: (Sings.) I hate you, I hate you, I love to irritate you. KATHERINE: (Sings.) I loathe and despise you, I love to criticize you. BOTH: (Sings.) There s just one thing on which we will agree: That I hate you more than you hate me. BIANCA: (At end of song.) Now, please, sister Kate, untie my hands. I know you jest with me. KATHERINE: If that be a jest than all the rest is so. (Strikes BIANCA.) BAPTISTA: (ENTERS.) What s this? What s this? 14

19 Bianca, stand aside. Poor girl, she weeps! Go, Bianca, ply thy needle; meddle not with her. (To KATHERINE.) For shame, thou child of the devil, Why do you wrong her that never did wrong you? Bianca is always silent and shy and never says a bitter word. KATHERINE: So think you? Her silence makes me mad and I ll be revenged. (Flies after BIANCA.) BAPTISTA: (Grabbing KATHERINE.) What! In my sight? BIANCA S MAIDSERVANT: Quick, Bianca, come to another room. (EXIT BIANCA and MAIDSERVANT.) KATHERINE: Let me go. Now I see it all. She is your treasure; she must have a husband, And I must dance barefoot on her wedding day. Talk not to me, I will go sit and weep Till I can find occasion for revenge. (EXITS with MAIDSERVANT.) BAPTISTA: Was ever a gentleman thus grieved as I? But who comes here? (ENTER PETRUCHIO and HORTENSIO with a lute, in disguise as CAMBIO.) PETRUCHIO: Good morrow, Signor Baptista. BAPTISTA: Good morrow. Do I know you, sir? PETRUCHIO: Nay, not me, You knew my father. I am Petruchio, and I have come from Mantua To make your acquaintance. (Aside.) And perhaps my fortune. BAPTISTA: Welcome, Petruchio. Your father was my friend, And for his dear sake, I greet you now, Assured that, in time, I shall love you For your sake as well. I have heard good words Blown abroad about your skill and daring. PETRUCHIO: And I bring a gift. I hear you have a daughter called Katherine, fair and virtuous. BAPTISTA: I have a daughter, sir, called Katherine. PETRUCHIO: Then I, hearing of her beauty and her wit, Her affability and bashful modesty, Her wondrous qualities and mild behavior, Am bold to show myself a forward guest, 15

20 Within your house, to make mine eyes a witness Of that report which I so oft have heard. And for an entrance to my entertainment, I do present you with a man of mine, (Presenting HORTENSIO.) Well trained in music and in mathematics, To instruct her fully in these arts, Whereof I know she is not ignorant. Accept him, or else you do me wrong; His name is Cambio, born in Mantua. BAPTISTA: (To HORTENSIO.) Welcome, Cambio, You may find employment for your teaching arts. (To PETRUCHIO.) But, for my daughter Katherine, this I know, She is not for your taste, the more my grief. PETRUCHIO: I see you do not mean to part with her, Or else you do not like my company. BAPTISTA: I like your company too well, And not to part with her would be too mean. But we will speak further. (To HORTENSIO.) In the meantime, you may go to her. Take you that lute, and you shall see her presently. (ENTER TRANIO and LUCENTIO, disguised as LUCIO and carrying books.) TRANIO: Good master Baptista, my master Lucentio sends a gift. (Pointing to LUCENTIO.) This is a learned man. His name is Lucio, and he is a scholar well trained To teach your daughter, Bianca. HORTENSIO: (Aside.) It is that villain Lucentio, But I cannot him decry Without turning the dogs on myself. BAPTISTA: (To TRANIO.) Give your master my warm thanks. His gift comes at a most appropriate time. TRANIO: I ll take your message, Signor Baptista. (EXIT TRANIO.) BAPTISTA: And you, Lucio, welcome to my home. If you prove wise, you shall find a fortune here. LUCENTIO: Thank you, master. (Aside.) I ll prove a fool if I don t. (Sees HORTENSIO.) But what s this I see? Hortensio in disguise? BAPTISTA: (To LUCENTIO and HORTENSIO.) Since you two scholars will serve my house together, 16

21 Acquaint yourselves with each other s virtues. Speak aside awhile, and presently you shall see your pupils. (Yells OFF.) Hello, within. LUCENTIO: You are a villain, Hortensio. HORTENSIO: We wear the same dress, Lucentio. And since we found the same plot, Let us also find what honor thieves share. You keep my secret and I ll keep yours. LUCENTIO: It is agreed. (Indicating PETRUCHIO, who is now standing aside with BAPTISTA, looking OFF.) But who is this fellow with Baptista? HORTENSIO: A man who aims to manage hell. LUCENTIO: Explain. HORTENSIO: A man who comes to woo and win Katherine. LUCENTIO: Indeed. He does not look so mad. HORTENSIO: He is. (ENTER SERVANT.) BAPTISTA: Sirrah, lead these gentlemen To my daughters, and tell them both They are their tutors. Bid them use them well. (EXIT SERVANT, with LUCENTIO and HORTENSIO. To PETRUCHIO.) And now, my new friend Petruchio, Let us discuss truly what business we have. PETRUCHIO: Signor Baptista, my business asks haste, And every day I cannot come to woo. You know my father well, and in him me, Left solely heir to all his lands and goods. Now tell me, if I get your daughter s love, What dowry shall I have with her to wife? BAPTISTA: After my death one half my lands, And at your wedding twenty thousand crowns. Be it understood, you first must win her love. PETRUCHIO: Why, that is nothing; for I tell you, father, I am as winning as she is proud-minded; And where two raging fires meet together They do consume the thing that feeds their fury. For I am rough and woo not like a babe. 17

22 BAPTISTA: Well mayst thou woo and happy be thy speed! But be thou prepared for some unhappy words. PETRUCHIO: I am like a mountain when the wind blows, Words shake me not, though they blow perpetually. (ENTER HORTENSIO, howling and holding his head.) BAPTISTA: How, now, my friend, what s happened? HORTENSIO: I have met your daughter, Katherine. BAPTISTA: And do you think she ll make a good musician? HORTENSIO: She ll make a better soldier. She broke my lute over my head. PETRUCHIO: She did! That s a lusty wench! I love her ten times more than I did. Now I long to have a chat with her. BAPTISTA: (To HORTENSIO.) Well, come with me and do not grieve. You can teach my younger daughter to play. She s apt to learn, and grateful for good turns. Signor Petruchio, will you go with us, Or shall I send my daughter Kate to you? PETRUCHIO: Send Kate to me, I pray you. I shall attend her here, and woo her With some spirit when she comes. BAPTISTA: She ll rail, I warn you. PETRUCHIO: Well, let her rail, and I ll tell her plain She sings as sweetly as a nightingale; And if she frown, I ll say she looks as clear As morning roses newly washed with dew. And if she keeps silent, I ll say she speaks as sweetly As if she had uttered some tender, loving word. BAPTISTA: (Starts OFF RIGHT.) Well, here she comes this way. And so we go that way. (EXIT BAPTISTA and HORTENSIO OFF LEFT. ENTER KATHERINE from RIGHT.) PETRUCHIO: Good morrow, Kate, for that s your name, I hear. KATHERINE: You ve heard only half, you half-wit. They call me Katherine that do talk of me. 18

23 PETRUCHIO: You lie, in faith, for you are called plain Kate, And bonny Kate, and sometimes Kate the curst; But Kate, the prettiest Kate in Christendom; Kate of Kate-Hall, my super-dainty Kate, For dainties are all Kates or cakes, The language varies in different lands; And, therefore, Kate, since you all goodness are, I ve come to woo thee for my wife, KATHERINE: Woo! I d as soon woo a bumblebee. PETRUCHIO: Come, come, you wasp. In truth, you are too angry. KATHERINE: If I be waspish, best beware my sting. PETRUCHIO: Good Kate, I am a gentleman. KATHERINE: Then, good gentleman, let me try my sting. (She strikes him.) PETRUCHIO: (Catching her arm and holding it.) I swear I ll cuff you if you strike again. KATHERINE: If you strike me, you re no gentleman. PETRUCHIO: Come, come, Kate. (Releasing her arm.) You must not look so sour. KATHERINE: It is my fashion when I see a crab. PETRUCHIO: There s no crab here, and therefore look not sour. KATHERINE: There is. There is. PETRUCHIO: Show me. KATHERINE: If I had a looking glass I would. PETRUCHIO: You mean my face? KATHERINE: That s a good guess for one so young. PETRUCHIO: By Saint George, I am too young for you. KATHERINE: Yet you are all wrinkled and withered. PETRUCHIO: It s cares that crease my brow. KATHERINE: Your cares are no care of mine. (She starts to leave. PETRUCHIO catches her arm. She pulls away. MUSIC CUE 5: Best Beware My Sting. Sings.) Oh, my temper s fierce as a thunderclap, When the light ning strikes then best beware my slap! 19

24 PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) I am quite well-known for my marksmanship, So when I take aim then best beware my whip! KATHERINE: (Sings.) Perhaps I ll try escaping from your clutches. PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) My dear, you won t get far without your crutches. KATHERINE: (Sings.) Like a tigress longs for a morning fight, If I show my fangs then best beware my bite! PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) Like a falcon flies to his ladylove, If you find me hawklike, best beware my glove! KATHERINE: (Sings.) Like a hen who waits for her chicks to hatch, I will fear no rooster, best beware my scratch! PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) My dear, your lovely lips I should be kissing. KATHERINE: (Sings.) Just try and your front teeth will soon be missing. PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) You may call me swine and a savage brute, But when I start kicking, best beware my boot! KATHERINE: (Sings.) You may touch my hand or my dainty wrist, But if you should try that, best beware my fist! PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) I will wring your neck and will black your eyes. When I yank your hair, I won t apologize! KATHERINE: (Sings.) Your head and jaw and nose will get a cracking. PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) That thing you sit upon will get a whacking. KATHERINE: (Sings.) I am like a bee in the early spring, Yes, if I be waspish... (Spoken.) Fight! PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) Bite! KATHERINE: (Speaks.) Brute! PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) Boot! KATHERINE: (Speaks.) Wrist! PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) Fist! KATHERINE: (Speaks.) Cracking! PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) Whacking! What a dainty dish you are to set before a king! BOTH: (Sing.) Best beware my sting! 20

25 KATHERINE: (At end of song, starts to walk away, and again PETRUCHIO takes hold of her arm.) Let me go. (She tries to pull away.) PETRUCHIO: Nay, hear me, Kate. In truth, you ll not escape so. KATHERINE: Let me go! (She beats upon him in her attempt to escape.) PETRUCHIO: I find you most gentle. It s true I was told you were rough and sullen, But now I find that report a very liar. You are pleasant, gamesome, passing courteous, But slow in speech, yet sweet as springtime flowers. Try as you may, you cannot even frown, Nor bite your lip as angry wenches will. You don t know how to be cross in talk, But always with mildness do entertain your wooers, With gentle conference, soft and affable. (With mock anger.) Why does the world report Kate does limp? O slanderous world! Kate, like the hazel twig, Is straight and slender, and as brown in hue As hazelnuts and sweeter than the kernels. O, let me see thee walk. (Releases her. KATHERINE starts to walk away.) There, you do not stumble as the world reports. KATHERINE: Go away, fool. PETRUCHIO: (Observing her with mock admiration.) Did ever Diana so become a grove As Kate this room with her princely gait? You should be Diana and let her be Kate. KATHERINE: Where did you study all this fancy speech? PETRUCHIO: I ve made it from my mother wit. KATHERINE: Mother wit! Ha. Your mother had no wit or wisdom to have a son like you. PETRUCHIO: Come, come, Kate, I m wise enough for you. Therefore, let us set all this chatter aside. In plain terms, you should know your father has consented That you shall be my wife. Your dowry s agreed on; And will you or nill you, I will marry you. Now, Kate, I am to be your husband, 21

26 And by this light in which I see your beauty Your beauty that does make me like you well I swear this truth: You will marry no man but me. (ENTER BAPTISTA, HORTENSIO with his lute obviously patched with a large handkerchief tied around it and LUCENTIO with his books.) For I am he that was born to tame you, Kate. Here comes your father. And don t deny what I say: I must and will have Katherine to wife. BAPTISTA: Now, Signor Petruchio, How goes your suit with my daughter? PETRUCHIO: Well, sir, or by this time I should be gone. BAPTISTA: Daughter, why so downcast? KATHERINE: Can you call me daughter? It is clear You have showed a tender fatherly regard To wish me wed to one half lunatic, A madcap ruffian and a swearing Jack, Who thinks with oaths and cuffs to win his way. PETRUCHIO: (To BAPTISTA.) Father, I do complain that you and all the world That talked of her have talked amiss of her. If she be curst, it is for style, For she s not bold, but modest as the dove; She is not angry, but temperate as the moren. And to conclude, we have agreed so well together That upon Sunday is the wedding day. KATHERINE: I ll see you hanged on Sunday first. HORTENSIO: Hanged is not wed. LUCENTIO: When the bride is Katherine, who knows? PETRUCHIO: Patience, gentlemen, I choose her for myself. If she and I be pleased, what s that to you? We have a bargain between us two alone That she shall still be curst in company, But I tell you it s unbelievable How much she loves me. O, the kindest Kate! She hung upon my neck, and kiss on kiss She swore her love with oath on oath, That in a wink she won me to her love. Give me thy hand, Kate. (Grabs her hand.) 22

27 I will unto Venice To buy apparel for the wedding day. Provide the feast, father, and bid the guests; I will be sure my Katherine shall be fine. BAPTISTA: I don t know what to say; but you have my consent. God send you joy, Petruchio, tis a match. LUCENTIO: I shall be a witness. HORTENSIO: And I. PETRUCHIO: Father and wife, and gentlemen, adieu. I m off to Venice, but Sunday comes soon. We will have rings and things and fine array. And kiss me, Kate, we will be married on Sunday. (He grabs her and kisses her leaving her slightly dazed. He EXITS with a flourish, and KATHERINE follows OFF silently.) LUCENTIO: Was ever a match patched up so suddenly! HORTENSIO: And now, Signor Baptista, About your younger daughter? Now is the day we long have looked for. I wish to lay my claim as first suitor to Bianca. LUCENTIO: But I am the one that loves Bianca more Than words can witness, or your thoughts can guess. HORTENSIO: I love her ten thousand times more than life. LUCENTIO: I love her twenty thousand times more. HORTENSIO: Thirty thousand. LUCENTIO: Forty. HORTENSIO: A million. LUCENTIO: A million, million, million, million. BAPTISTA: Gentlemen, be content. I will settle this strife. It s deeds that win the prize, not words. Whatever suitor can assure my daughter the greatest dowry Shall have Bianca s love. What can you offer? Think well on your answer. On Sunday next, Katherine is to be married; Now on the Sunday following shall Bianca Be bride to him who makes the best offer. So let the matter stand. Gentlemen, adieu. (EXIT BAPTISTA.) 23

28 LUCENTIO: Now we stand openly opposed. HORTENSIO: But Bianca s hand will not be won without her heart. LUCENTIO: Nor her heart without her head. And she knows you for a fool. HORTENSIO: Stop. Here comes the fair Bianca now. If you have complaints to press, Let s see who wins in a test of teachers. (Takes up lute.) And music will plead for me. LUCENTIO: (Taking up books.) And Dame Philosophy will be my friend in need. (ENTER BIANCA. Both rush to her.) HORTENSIO: Heavenly patroness of perfect harmony, Are you ready for your music lesson? LUCENTIO: Fair Diana, shall we resume our studies? BIANCA: Gentlemen, you do me wrong. I am no student in the schools That must learn each thing by the bell. I learn my lessons to please myself. I ll sit down and listen to you both. (To HORTENSIO.) You may play, (To LUCENTIO.) While you talk; and then I shall Be double learned with half the effort. HORTENSIO: You ll stop listening to his lecture When I get my instrument tuned? LUCENTIO: That will be never, for he cannot tune a fork. BIANCA: Come, come, gentlemen, begin. LUCENTIO: We were studying our Latin. BIANCA: So continue. LUCENTIO: Veni, vidi, vici. Amour. Amour. Amour. BIANCA: Translate. LUCENTIO: It means as follows: Veni I am Lucentio, the son of Vincentio of Pisa; Vidi I have come disguised thus to get your love; Vici if you will give your help, your father s consent Will not long be withheld. 24

29 HORTENSIO: (Who has been tuning the lute.) Madam, my instrument s in tune. (He strokes the lute.) BIANCA: I do not think so. LUCENTIO: Go back and tune it right. (Hortensio goes OFF a little with the instrument.) Now, let me see if I can translate the rest: amour That means I love you a thousand times. HORTENSIO: Madam, now it s in tune. LUCENTIO: But your head is not. HORTENSIO: (Aside.) Lucentio is courting her Before my very face. I d better watch this. (To BIANCA.) First lesson, madam, is to get the feel of the instrument. (Gives her the lute and then goes behind her, showing her how to hold it and thus embracing her.) Thusly, cradle it gently. LUCENTIO: (Aside.) The knave does play a better tune than mine. (To BIANCA.) Now, madam, let s return to our books. BIANCA: I think I need another book. (Points across stage.) That one, over there. LUCENTIO: (Turns and runs across stage.) I ll get it, madam. HORTENSIO: Madam, quickly, let me sing my song to you. I am Hortensio and do love you well. If you will pledge your love to me, Your father s consent will not follow far behind. LUCENTIO: (Rushing back with book.) Madam, I return. (ENTER SERVANT from OFF RIGHT.) SERVANT: Mistress, your father prays you leave your books And help to dress your sister s chamber up; You know tomorrow is the wedding day. BIANCA: Farewell, sweet masters both. I must be gone. (EXIT SERVANT and BIANCA.) LUCENTIO: She called me sweet... HORTENSIO: Masters both. LUCENTIO: To woo a maid in harness with another lover 25

30 HORTENSIO: Is to learn the first and worst lesson in how to suffer. (MUSIC CUE 6: What Should a Suitor Do? ) LUCENTIO: (Speaks.) Precious Bianca, Please do not float in a sea of doubt and uncertainty. Make up your mind! HORTENSIO: (Sings.) Two of us love dear Bianca, She s the one we both pursue. Waiting for the final verdict, tell us, What should a suitor do? TRANIO/BIONDELLO: (Both appear suddenly from STAGE RIGHT and STAGE LEFT and join their masters. Sing.) What to do, what to do, Tell them what should a suitor do? LUCENTIO: (Sings.) Fair Bianca is a darling, She could make each dream come true. But we sit on pins and needles, Tell us, what should a suitor do? LUCENTIO/HORTENSIO: (Sing.) Ev ry thought we have is muddled, Topsy-turvy, we re in a stew. I am sure we ll stay befuddled til she says, It s you! Dear Bianca is a treasure, sweet as honey through and through. While we wait for her decision, tell us, what should a suitor do? (WIDOW/MAID/SERVANTS/TOWNSPEOPLE appear suddenly from STAGE RIGHT and STAGE LEFT in pure musical theater fashion, moving into a final tableau/stage picture.) ALL: (Sing.) What to do what to do? Tell them/us, what should a suitor do? What to do, what to do? Tell them/us what should a suitor do? (CURTAIN.) END OF ACT ONE ACT TWO Scene One AT RISE: MUSIC CUE 7: Ent racte. Padua. Before BAPTISTA S house. The APRON of the stage is used in this scene as in ACT ONE, Scene One; the CURTAIN now represents only the exterior of BAPTISTA S home with windows, doors, etc. As the HOUSE LIGHTS DIM and the STAGE LIGHTS COME UP, BAPTISTA, KATHERINE and her MAIDSERVANT, 26

31 BIANCA and her MAIDSERVANT, HORTENSIO, LUCENTIO, SERVANTS and GUESTS are parading in front of the house, awaiting the arrival of PETRUCHIO. HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO glare at each other and pay court to BIANCA at every opportunity, and she encourages them. The other characters are unaware of this activity. BAPTISTA: Signor Lucentio, this is the appointed day That Katherine and Petruchio should be married, And yet we hear not of our son-in-law. If he does not appear, we will be shamed. KATHERINE: No shame of mine. I was forced to give my hand, But my heart stands opposed to this match To a mad-brained, unruly fellow full of spleen, Who wooed in haste and means to wed at leisure. I told you that he was a frantic fool. HORTENSIO: Patience, good Katherine, and Baptista, too. Upon my life, Petruchio means but well, Whatever fortune stays him from his word. Though he be blunt, I know him passing wise; Though he be merry, yet withal he s honest. KATHERINE: I wish I had never seen him. (She starts OFF RIGHT, weeping, followed by her MAIDSERVANT, BIANCA and her MAIDSERVANT, other SERVANTS and GUESTS.) KATHERINE S MAIDSERVANT: (Consoling KATHERINE.) There, there. He s not worth your tears, Mistress Katherine. (Then, to BIANCA S MAIDSERVANT.) She ll be fearfully curst now! BIANCA S MAIDSERVANT: (Replying to KATHERINE S MAIDSERVANT.) Courage, my dear. BIANCA: This is the way men play the game, I see. LUCENTIO: You d never see such play of me. HORTENSIO: Or me. BIANCA: Men. (ALL EXIT, except BAPTISTA. He faces the stage a moment. ENTER GRUMIO from RIGHT.) BAPTISTA: Is he here? GRUMIO: (Looking about as if seeking him.) Why, no, sir. BAPTISTA: When will he be here? 27

32 GRUMIO: When he stands where I am and sees you there. Why, Petruchio is coming, But in such a fashion as you would not believe. He s dressed for his wedding like a scarecrow dressed for the harvest With such a mess of tattered clothes as you ve never seen A new hat and an old cloak, a pair of old breeches thrice mended, One high boot and one low shoe. BAPTISTA: He follows an odd humor in his dress, But I m glad he s coming, howeverso he comes. (ENTER PETRUCHIO, dressed garishly as described.) PETRUCHIO: Here l am, and where s the wedding party? BAPTISTA: You are welcome, sir. And the wedding waits upon you, But do you not wish to change your costume? You do shame to your high estate to wed in dress like this. PETRUCHIO: Forsooth, old father, let s have done with words: To me she s to be married, not unto my clothes. But come, we have not time to chat, When I should bid good morrow to my bride And seal the title with a lovely kiss! BAPTISTA: Then follow me, I ll lead the way. (BAPTISTA EXITS RIGHT with PETRUCHIO.) GRUMIO: Tho this be madness, Yet, if I know my master right, there s method in it. (ENTER HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO.) HORTENSIO: I could not stay to see that ceremony. LUCENTIO: It has a strange effect on fair Bianca. HORTENSIO: Her sweetness, like sugar and water, Began to crust on top. I like it not. LUCENTIO: And yet as soon as they are wed, Bianca s free to follow suit. HORTENSIO: In better dress, I hope. LUCENTIO: In better dress, I promise. HORTENSIO: What have you got to do with how I will dress? LUCENTIO: I am he that will marry Bianca. HORTENSIO: No, I will. (FIRST MAID comes running from OFF RIGHT.) 28

33 LUCENTIO: What s this? Is the wedding done? FIRST MAID: It is mad. All mad. That s a groom, indeed, A grumbling groom then the girl shall find. HORTENSIO: Curster than Katherine? It s impossible. FIRST MAID: Why, he s a devil, a devil, a very fiend. LUCENTIO: Why, she s a devil, a devil, the devil s mother. FIRST MAID: Why, she s a lamb, a dove, compared to him. I ll tell you, Sir Lucentio, when the priest Did ask him if Katherine should be his wife, He swore an oath and swore so loud That the poor priest did let fall the book, And as he bent and scooped it up again, This mad-brained bridegroom gave him such a cuff That down fell priest and book, and book and priest. HORTENSIO: What did Katherine say to all this? FIRST MAID: She trembled and shook, and he raged and swore, And thus the service went from fore to aft, And when done, he took the bride about the neck And kissed her lips with such a clamorous smack That at their parting all the church did echo. It frightened me so that I fled, And soon the rest will come. Such a mad marriage never was before. (ENTER PETRUCHIO, KATHERINE, BIANCA, BAPTISTA, GUESTS, SERVANTS. MUSIC CUE 8: Toast the Bride. This is a waltz, played as EVERYONE ENTERS.) ALL: (Sing, after first waltz section.) Toast the bride, toast the bride, Petruchio still has a thorn in his side. Toast the bride, toast the bride, The wedding knot now has been tied. (After second waltz section.) Toast the groom, toast the groom, Though Katherine still flies about her broom. Toast the groom, toast the groom, Will happiness now start to bloom? (After third waltz section.) Toast the wife, toast the wife, Though she has a tongue that is sharp as a knife. 29

34 Toast the wife, toast the wife, Will she be the joy of his life? Yes, it s true, yes, it s true. Petruchio finally married his shrew. But we don t have a clue. Will their life be rosy or more black-and-blue? We don t know the answer, do you? (At end of song, general ad libs of congratulations.) PETRUCHIO: Gentlemen and friends, I thank you for your pains. I know you think to dine with me today And have prepared a great store of wedding cheer, But now I must take my leave and be on my way. BAPTISTA: You can t leave before tomorrow. PETRUCHIO: I must leave now. HORTENSIO: Petruchio, my friend, let me entreat you to stay. PETRUCHIO: It cannot be. LUCENTIO: For my sake, as a favor. PETRUCHIO: No. BIANCA: Let a sister s words be added. PETRUCHIO: And subtracted. No. KATHERINE: Give me leave, husband, to entreat you. PETRUCHIO: That I shall do. KATHERINE: You ll stay? PETRUCHIO: No, I ll give you leave to entreat me to stay, And yet not stay, entreat me how you can. KATHERINE: If you love me, stay. PETRUCHIO: Grumio, my horses. GRUMIO: They are ready, sir. KATHERINE: Do what you wish, but I will not go today. No, nor tomorrow, nor till I please myself. The door is open, sir, there lies your way. For me, I ll not be gone till I please myself. PETRUCHIO: Prithee, Kate, be not so angry. 30

35 KATHERINE: I will be angry. Why shouldn t I be? Father, prepare the feast. We re now prepared to eat. Gentlemen, forward to the bridal dinner. I see a woman may be made a fool If she has not the spirit to resist. PETRUCHIO: They shall go forward, Kate, at thy command. (To GUESTS.) Obey the bride, go to the feast, Be mad and merry, or go hang yourselves. (The GUESTS scatter and start for door of house.) But you, my bonny Kate, you go with me. No, don t look big, or stamp, or stare, or fret; I will be master of what is mine own. You are my goods, my chattels, my house, My household stuff, my field, my barn, My horse, my ox, my ass, my anything. (To GUESTS.) And there she stands, all mine. Touch her any one of you who dares. I ll bring action on the proudest man That stops my way in Padua. Grumio, Draw forth thy weapon. We are beset by thieves. (GRUMIO draws a short sword and makes faces.) Rescue thy mistress, if thou be a man. Fear not, sweet wench. They shall not touch thee, Kate! I ll protect you against a million. (He puts her over his shoulder and with GRUMIO leading the way the three go OFF RIGHT.) BAPTISTA: Let the quiet couple go their quiet way. SERVANT: Went they not quickly? I thought I would die laughing. LUCENTIO: Of all the mad matches, was there ever one like this? HORTENSIO: Mistress Bianca, What is your opinion of your sister now? BIANCA: That being mad herself, she is madly mated. HORTENSIO: (Aside.) And Petruchio is madly Kated. BAPTISTA: Well, come, friends. Let s to the feast That toasts the departure of the wedding pair already gone. (ALL start UPSTAGE for the house. BLACKOUT. MUSIC CUE 8a: Change of Scene. ) End of Scene One 31

36 ACT TWO Scene Two LIGHTS UP: PETRUCHIO S country house. GRUMIO and SECOND MAID are arranging the room. GRUMIO: Fie, fie, on all tired jades and mad masters. SECOND MAID: Are the master and his bride coming here, Grumio? GRUMIO: Aye, he bid me go before to prepare the way. SECOND MAID: Is she as much a shrew as she s reported? GRUMIO: She was, pretty maid, before she met my master, But you know that winter tames man, woman and beast; And the cold winds that have blown since the wedding ceremony Have chilled her blood. SECOND MAID: The trip from Padua on her wedding day Must have been hard for even such a shrewish maid. GRUMIO: If I had time I should tell you the tale, How her horse fell and she under the horse And all in the mud, How she waded through the mud, While he swore vengeance on the reins Both those that broke and those that fell; And how, in his mad desire to save her honor, He let her fall again into the mud. She comes here now to die in oblivion. SECOND MAID: He seems more of a shrew than she. GRUMIO: Aye, but hold your tongue, for here they come. (ENTER PETRUCHIO and KATHERINE. She looks as though she has walked through mud up to her ears. She is covered with dirt and looks tired enough to die.) PETRUCHIO: Sit down, Kate, and welcome home. Off with my boots, Grumio. Be merry, Kate, this is your wedding day. Fool, you re unshoeing me left to right, and it should be right to left. KATHERINE: Patience, Petruchio. He didn t do it intentionally. PETRUCHIO: Grumio, bring food, food, food! GRUMIO: Maid, bring food. (MUSIC CUE 9: Food! Food! Food! 32

37 GRUMIO and SECOND MAID rush about, but do not EXIT. Additional SERVANTS may ENTER here.) PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) Bring a squab, bring a grouse, Bring a partridge, bring a pheasant. Bring us food, food, food! KATHERINE: (Sings.) Bring a duck, bring a quail, Roasted mutton would be pleasant. Bring us food, food, food! PETRUCHIO/KATHERINE: (Sing.) Mozzarella sounds appealing With a crusty loaf of bread. Bring a platter filled with ev ry kind of cheese. SERVANTS: (Sing.) Provolone for a start, Gorgonzola would be smart. Then some sausage and salami, if you please. PETRUCHIO: (Sing.) Bring a fig, bring a pear, Bring some apricots and cherries. Bring us food, food, food! KATHERINE: (Sings.) For a plum, for a peach, For pistachios and berries we are in the mood. SERVANTS: (Sing.) There s a basket with an orange and a tasty nectarine. There are grapes and there are raisins and a juicy tangerine. You demand the finest service and the very best cuisine. ALL: (Sing.) Bring us/you food, food, food! KATHERINE: (Sings.) Bring us beef, bring us lamb, Bring us plates of rigatoni. Bring us food, food, food! PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) Bring us pork, bring us veal, For some steaming minestrone we are in the mood. SERVANTS: (Sing.) Does zucchini sound appealing With tomatoes on the side? Or some garlic in the tempting butter beans? And you simply cannot dine til we serve the finest wine. PETRUCHIO/KATHERINE: (Sing.) Don t forget about the olives and sardines! 33

38 PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) Lemon cake, apple tart, Bring biscotti and cannoli. Bring us food, food, food! KATHERINE: (Sings.) Macaroons with meringue, They will make me roly-poly, but I m in the mood! PETRUCHIO: ( Sings.) Bring us cookies and spumoni That reach right up to the sky. KATHERINE: (Sings.) Bring us custard, bring us pudding In the twinkling of an eye. PETRUCHIO/KATHERINE: (Sing.) Bring us Four and twenty blackbirds that are baked into a pie! ALL: (Sing.) Bring us/you food, food, food, food, food! (Musical interlude plays while SERVANTS rush to-and-fro gathering plates, platters, baskets, etc., of food to place upon the table. After all of the items are in place they sing the finale.) Here s the food. Bring the food, food, (Shout.) Food! GRUMIO: (At end of song.) Maid, bring food. (As he says this, SECOND MAID is rushing IN with a last covered plate which she sets before PETRUCHIO.) PETRUCHIO: Come, Kate, sit down; I know you have a stomach. (She comes to table and sits, most ready to eat.) It s a pity we did not stay to sup with your father, But how should I have known we d not eat all day? You must be starving, poor girl. (KATE starts to reach for food.) But first, give thanks, sweet Kate. (She draws back and starts to give thanks.) Or shall I? (To SECOND MAID.) What s this? Mutton? SECOND MAID: Aye, sir. PETRUCHIO: Who brought it? SECOND MAID: I, sir. PETRUCHIO: (Lifting cover on plate to look at it.) It s burnt. (He uncovers various plates, complains about the food, and throws it about the stage.) And so is all the meat. What dogs are these! Where is the rascal cook? This is not food for a bride, but for a lonely 34

39 Cur that does not own a home. The bread is rancid; the butter is stale, The wine has too much fat in it, And the meat is flat. (Stops a moment. To KATHERINE.) What, do you grumble? KATHERINE: I pray you, husband, don t be so upset. The meat was good; the bread is fresh. PETRUCHIO: I tell thee, Kate, The meat was burnt and dried away, And I expressly am forbidden to touch it, For such meat rots the sweet disposition And drives a man to maddening anger. It s better that we both fast Than lose our sweet and loving hearts. Be patient. Tomorrow we ll feast. But tonight we ll fast a little longer. Come, I ll take thee to thy bridal chamber. (He strides OFF, leading KATHERINE, who stumbles after.) SECOND MAID: Did you ever see the like of that? GRUMIO: He kills her in her own humor. SECOND MAID: But there s no bed made for the bride. GRUMIO: Those were his orders. Tonight she sleeps on the hard floor. SECOND MAID: Poor bride. GRUMIO: This is my master s plot to kill a wife with kindness. And thus he thinks to curb her headstrong humor. SECOND MAID: This is a brute honeymoon. GRUMIO: He that knows better how to tame a shrew, Now let him speak. It would be charity to show. (LIGHTS DIM. MUSIC CUE 9a: Change of Scene. ) End of Scene Two ACT TWO Scene Three LIGHTS UP: Same as Scene One. Outside BAPTISTA S house. ENTER LUCENTIO from RIGHT and HORTENSIO from LEFT. 35

40 LUCENTIO: So you think you ve won. HORTENSIO: I would have if you had not dealt falsely with me. LUCENTIO: I with you? HORTENSIO: Yes, you with me. Keeping fair Bianca from my loving eyes. LUCENTIO: Then you have not seen her either? HORTENSIO: I thought she was with you. LUCENTIO: I thought she was with you. HORTENSIO: Perhaps her father yet keeps her under lock and key. (We hear BIANCA laughing, UPSTAGE CENTER behind door.) LUCENTIO: I think I hear fair Bianca s voice. HORTENSIO: Raised in happy laughter. (Male laughter heard.) LUCENTIO: But who sings bass? HORTENSIO: Quick, let us hide. Our mystery s near to solving, I fear. (They rush DOWNSTAGE and kneel down so as to be hidden from view. CAMBIO and BIANCA ENTER laughing.) BIANCA: Ah, Cambio, you fill me with laughter. HORTENSIO: What! The real Cambio is come here To make a fool of me! CAMBIO: It is not I, dear mistress, But what we read herein that makes you grin. (Taps books he is carrying.) LUCENTIO: And me, for he s taken the books I brought to be a schoolmaster. BIANCA: It was so cunning of you to come as my tutor, After Hortensio and Lucentio gave up that game. And now my father dotes upon you even as I. LUCENTIO: Do you hear, Hortensio? We have been undone. HORTENSIO: Let us speak to her. LUCENTIO: Perhaps she thinks that When we ceased to carry books to her Our looks went elsewhere, too. (They both leap up and rush to her.) 36

41 LUCENTIO: Fair Bianca, here I come. HORTENSIO: And I. CAMBIO: God s mercy. What have we here? BIANCA: Some schoolboys, I am sure, Looking for their lost master. (Points OFF RIGHT.) He went that way, lads. (Indicated LEFT. To CAMBIO.) And we go this. (BIANCA and CAMBIO go OFF LEFT, as LUCENTIO and HORTENSIO stand open-mouthed, watching.) LUCENTIO: Hortensio, you can have my claim to her. HORTENSIO: I have no claim to add yours to. LUCENTIO: (Looking OFF after them.) See how they kiss and court, Signor Hortensio. HORTENSIO: I am cured, Signor Lucentio. Here is my hand and I firmly vow Never to woo her more, but do forswear her As one unworthy of all the former favors That I have fondly flattered her withal. (Both are staring OFF as though watching CAMBIO and BIANCA.) LUCENTIO: And here I take the like unfeigned oath, Never to marry with her... (Long pause; then quickly.) Though she should beg. Fie on her. See how beastly she does court him. HORTENSIO: It s disgusting. And I ll make certain of my oath. I will be married to a wealthy widow Before three days pass. She has long loved me While I, a dolt, did chase this forward lass. Henceforth, kindness in women, Not their pretty faces, shall win my love. (MUSIC CUE 10: Ode to Bianca. ) LUCENTIO: (Speaks.) He who woos a woman courts madness. HORTENSIO: (Sings.) To the devil with Bianca, She s unfaithful through and through. I will court the village widow, so Bianca, a pox on you. BOTH: (Sing.) We will choose someone new, So we bid you a fond adieu. 37

42 LUCENTIO: (Sings.) I am feeling so rejected, My heart s broken right in two. Never trust a fickle maiden, so Bianca, a hex on you. BOTH: (Sing.) Padua is full of ladies wanting husbands, I know a few. But they all can go to Hades if they re not true-blue. Both of us have learned a lesson, it s not one we will repeat. If you love a fickle maiden, say, Arrivederci, my sweet! (LIGHTS DIM. Segue to MUSIC CUE 10a: Change of Scene. ) End of Scene Three ACT TWO Scene Four LIGHTS UP: A room of PETRUCHIO S house. KATHERINE, now neatly dressed and with bowed head, stands with PETRUCHIO. GRUMIO stands by. PETRUCHIO: Did you not find last night s meal much to your liking? KATHERINE: Yes, my lord, much to my liking. PETRUCHIO: I thought the meat a little burnt. KATHERINE: It was, in truth, a little burned. PETRUCHIO: And yet a little raw from not enough cooking. KATHERINE: Yes, a little raw. PETRUCHIO: And the bed you slept on, it was comfortable? KATHERINE: Soft as down. PETRUCHIO: I thought it too soft. KATHERINE: Perhaps a mite too soft. PETRUCHIO: More like a rock. KATHERINE: Very like a rock. PETRUCHIO: Well, Kate, now we will go to your father s house, And show the company how well the match has gone. Grumio! GRUMIO: Yes, sir. PETRUCHIO: Bring the horses around. Let s see, I think tis now about seven o clock, And we should reach your father s by dinner time. 38

43 KATHERINE: I dare assure you, sir, it s almost two, And it will be suppertime before you get there. PETRUCHIO: It will be seven before I go to horse. No matter what I say or think or do, You still will cross me. Our honeymoon Will run another day- For it shall be what o clock I say. (PETRUCHIO starts OFFSTAGE, followed by KATHERINE.) GRUMIO: Why, this wild master of mine will command the sun. (CURTAIN. MUSIC CUE 10b: Change of Scene. ) End of Scene Four ACT TWO Scene Five LIGHTS UP: A public road in bright daylight. This scene is played before the CURTAIN, and the CURTAIN now should represent a country background scene. ENTER PETRUCHIO, KATHERINE and GRUMIO, from LEFT. PETRUCHIO: Come on, Kate, in heaven s name. Let s continue toward our father s house. Good lord, how bright and goodly shines the moon! KATHERINE: The moon! It s the sun. It is not moonlight now. PETRUCHIO: I say it is the moon that shines so bright. KATHERINE: I know it is the sun that shines so bright. PETRUCHIO: Now, by my mother s son, and that s myself, It shall be moon, or star, or whatever I say, Before we journey to your father s house. Grumio, go back and turn the horses round So we can travel backward to our home. GRUMIO: Aye, sir. KATHERINE: No, wait, let you go forward, I pray, Since we have come so far, And be it moon, or sun, or what you please, And if you please to call it a rush candle, Henceforth I vow it shall be so for me. PETRUCHIO: I say it is the moon. KATHERINE: I know it is the moon. 39

44 PETRUCHIO: Nay, then, you lie. It is the blessed sun. KATHERINE: Then, God be blessed, it is the blessed sun. But sun it is not when you say it is not, And the moon changes even as your mind. When you will have it named, even that it is; And so it shall be so for Katherine. GRUMIO: (Aside.) And so the maid the rogue has finally won. PETRUCHIO: Well, forward, forward! Thus the game should run. (ENTER HORTENSIO from RIGHT.) GRUMIO: Here comes Signor Hortensio. PETRUCHIO: (To HORTENSIO.) Good morrow, gentle mistress, where away? Tell me, sweet Kate, and tell me truly, too, Hast thou beheld a fresher gentlewomen? GRUMIO: You will make Hortensio mad to make a woman of him. KATHERINE: (To HORTENSIO.) Young budding virgin, fair and fresh and sweet, Whither do you go and where is your home? Happy the parents of so fair a child; Happier the man whom favorable stars Allot thee for his loving wife. PETRUCHIO: Why, Kate, I hope you are not mad. This is a man, old, wrinkled, faded, withered And not a maiden, as thou sayst he is. KATHERINE: (To HORTENSIO.) Pardon, old father, my mistaking eyes That have been so bedazzled with the sun That everything I look on seemeth green. Now I perceive thou art a reverend father; Pardon me, I pray thee, for thinking you a maid. PETRUCHIO: Do, good father, and tell us where you go. HORTENSIO: Petruchio, thou art a wag; That I knew of old, but what change Is this I find in Katherine the bold? 40

45 PETRUCHIO: Return with us to Baptista s home and see In the new Katherine a cause for jealousy. HORTENSIO: Well, Petruchio, if what you say is true, I will take heart and plunge after you. Find my widow, yea and marry her. If she prove too forward, too bold, I ll use your example to set the matter right. (They ALL start OFF RIGHT. BLACKOUT. MUSIC CUE 10c: Change of Scene. ) End of Scene Five ACT TWO Scene Six LIGHTS UP: The CURTAIN OPENS to reveal BAPTISTA S home. A large banquet table, covered with a white cloth, is set UPSTAGE RIGHT. BAPTISTA is standing UPSTAGE CENTER, surrounded by GUESTS and SERVANTS, including THIRD MAID and MAIDSERVANTS. BIANCA and CAMBIO are talking to BAPTISTA. DOWNSTAGE RIGHT, HORTENSIO, the WIDOW and LUCENTIO are talking. DOWNSTAGE LEFT, KATHERINE, now gaily dressed, and PETRUCHIO are standing. CAMBIO: Thus, it is agreed? BAPTISTA: If Bianca has chosen you, I ll not dissent. (To group.) Friends, we came to greet My eldest daughter s return home. But now I find that the youngest Has capped herself a husband, One named Cambio. And though I know him but little, I m sure he ll prove aright. LUCENTIO: Another bride and groom are here. My friend, Hortensio, is taking the widow to wife. HORTENSIO: It s true. It s true. PETRUCHIO: There is something sweet In the air of Padua that breeds kindness. HORTENSIO: For both our sakes, I would that word were true. PETRUCHIO: Now, on my life, Hortensio fears his widow. WIDOW: He has nought to fear from me. PETRUCHIO: Not from you, of you. 41

46 WIDOW: He that is giddy thinks the world turns round. PETRUCHIO: Roundly said, good widow. KATHERINE: Widow, what do you mean That Hortensio has no fear from you? WIDOW: I have no fear for him to take. I am fearless. PETRUCHIO: Roundly said. Kiss her for that, good Hortensio. WIDOW: Your husband, being feared of a shrew Measures my husband s sorrow by his own woe. Now know what I say Hortensio has no fear from me, Nor of me, either, though others should take heed. Now do you know my meaning? KATHERINE: Aye, and a mean meaning it is. WIDOW: That s right. I mean you. Your name has gone before you, madam, Like a howling dog before a chamber pot That some urchin has tied to its tail. PETRUCHIO: You ve been challenged, Kate. Have at her. HORTENSIO: Have at her, widow. Give her kind for kind. PETRUCHIO: Hortensio, a hundred marks my Kate puts your widow down. HORTENSIO: I ll take the bet. Kate s been softened by your tender care. WIDOW: It is no match. (Goes to KATHERINE.) I m sorry that I spoke. KATHERINE: Let s walk together aside and let the gentlemen smoke. WIDOW: And burn. KATHERINE: And turn to cinders. (WIDOW and KATHERINE walk OFF together LEFT.) BIANCA: Now, what a marvel is this: Kate the curst has turned another cheek. PETRUCHIO: Aye, young bird, so soon a bride That you must speak so harsh? BIANCA: I ll speak when I please and to whom I please. (Walks OFF LEFT. HORTENSIO, PETRUCHIO and CAMBIO come together CENTER STAGE.) 42

47 HORTENSIO: How now, Petruchio, I thought you had tamed your shrew. A more fortunate man am I than you. CAMBIO: And both of you can envy me; For you both do know that I have found The one woman in all Padua That does not live by the lash of her tongue. BAPTISTA: Come, come, gentlemen, let s have no match. Let each man treasure the wife he has, And give no thought to what might have been. And, in good sadness, son Petruchio, I think thou hast the veriest shrew of all. PETRUCHIO: Well, I say no; and therefore for assurance, Let s each one send unto his wife, And he whose wife is most obedient To come at first when he does send for her Shall win the wager which we will propose. LUCENTIO: What wager? I ll hold the stakes Since I am wifeless and therefore honest. HORTENSIO: I ll pledge twenty crowns on my widow. CAMBIO: I ll pledge twenty on Bianca. PETRUCHIO: Twenty crowns! I d pledge that much on a hawk or hounds; But twenty times so much upon my wife. HORTENSIO: A hundred, then. CAMBIO: Agreed. PETRUCHIO: Then, it s a match. LUCENTIO: Who shall be first? Who shall begin? CAMBIO: That will I. (To THIRD MAID.) Go, maid, bid your mistress come to me. (MUSIC CUE 11: The Wager. ) THIRD MAID: (Speaks.) I go. (EXITS LEFT.) CAMBIO: (Sings.) Bring my bride, bring my bride, For I am awaiting with arms open wide. Bring my bride, bring my bride. Command her to come to my side. (MAID RETURNS.) (Speaks.) Well, where is my lady? 43

48 THIRD MAID: (Speaks.) Sir, she sends word that she is busy and cannot come. (Sings.) Says she chooses not to speak. Likes not playing hide-and-seek. In a tizzy and so busy, she ll see you next week. PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) How! She is busy and cannot come! Is that an answer? CAMBIO: (Speaks.) Aye, and a kind one, too; (To HORTENSIO.) Pray God, sir, your wife sends you not worse. PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) I hope better. Beg her, send along threats and promises. Then she will have to come. HORTENSIO: (Speaks.) Even with threats and promises, Petruchio, Your Kate will not come when you call. Maid, go and tell my wife I wish her here. THIRD MAID: (Speaks.) I go. (EXITS LEFT.) HORTENSIO: (Sings.) Bring my spouse, bring my spouse. Her husband, the cat, is awaiting his mouse. Bring my spouse, bring my spouse, For I am the man of the house! (MAID RETURNS.) HORTENSIO: (Speaks.) Well, now, where s my wife? THIRD MAID: (Speaks.) She will not come, but says If you wish to see her that you are to come to her. (Sings.) She says she ll be ordered not, She will stay no matter what. Though you plead, she will not heed, She says to sit and rot. PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) This is worse than before. She will not come. O vile, intolerable, not to be endured. HORTENSIO: (Speaks.) I know her answer. PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) What? HORTENSIO: (Speaks.) She will not come. PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) The fouler fortune s mine, then. Maid, go to my mistress and say I command her to come to me. 44

49 THIRD MAID: (Speaks.) I go. (EXITS LEFT.) PETRUCHIO: (Sings.) Bring my wife, bring my wife, Though she has a tongue that is sharp as a knife. Bring my wife, bring my wife, for she is the joy of my life! My Kate is the joy of my life! BAPTISTA: (At end of song.) By all that s holy and much besides, Here comes Katherine! KATHERINE: (ENTERS LEFT.) What is your will, sir, that you send for me? PETRUCHIO: Where is your sister and Hortensio s wife? KATHERINE: They sit conversing by the parlor fire. PETRUCHIO: Go fetch them hither. If they refuse, swing them by the ears into their husbands company. Away, I say, and bring them hither straight. (KATHERINE EXITS LEFT.) LUCENTIO: Here is a wonder, if you talk of wonders. CAMBIO: And so it is. I wonder when the hurricane will blow. Katherine is like the calm before a storm. PETRUCHIO: It s not a storm, but peace that blows, And love and quiet life. When the husband rules with right supremacy; The wind that blows is light and sweet and happy. BAPTISTA: You have worked a miracle, good Petruchio! You have won your wager, and to it I will add Twenty thousand crowns a second dowry For a second Kate, for this one s changed. PETRUCHIO: Yet will she show further signs of her obedience, Her new-built virtue and willing mind. (KATHERINE ENTERS holding BIANCA and the WIDOW by their ears.) See here she comes and brings your stubborn wives As prisoners to her womanly persuasion. (To KATHERINE.) Kate, that cap becomes you not. Take it off and throw it underfoot. (She does so.) WIDOW: (Moving away from KATHERINE and going to HORTENSIO.) Lord, let me never have a cause to sigh That I am brought to such a silly pass as this. BIANCA: (Going to CAMBIO.) Fie! What foolish duty do you call this? 45

50 PETRUCHIO: Katherine, I charge thee, tell these headstrong women What duty they do owe their lords and husbands. WIDOW: I ll not be lectured by her. You are trying to make a fool of me. PETRUCHIO: Let any wife tell what she owes her husband. WIDOW: Katherine shall not speak! PETRUCHIO: I say she shall. Speak, Katherine. KATHERINE: (Moving about the room on this speech, addressing parts of the speech to the ones most in need of its application.) Fie, fie, widow, unknot that threatening brow, And dart not scornful glances from those eyes To wound thy lord, thy king, thy governor. (To BIANCA.) It blots thy beauty as frosts do bite the flowers, Destroys thy good name as winds shake fair buds, And in no sense is feminine or friendly. (To CAMBIO.) An angry woman is like a fountain troubled, Muddy, ill-seeming, thick, bereft of beauty; And while it is so, none so dry or thirsty Will deign to sip or touch one drop of it. (To BIANCA.) Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper, Thy head, thy sovereign; one who cares for thee, And for thy maintenance commits his body To painful labor both by sea and land, While thou liest warm at home, secure and safe. And he craves no other tribute at thy hands But love, fair looks and true obedience Too little payment for so great a debt. (To WIDOW.) My mind has been as stubborn as yours, My heart as great, my reason a great deal more. Skilled I was in bandying words and frowns; But now I see a woman s lance is but a straw. Our strength is weak, save for our husband s love. PETRUCHIO: (Speaks.) Why, there s a wench! Come and kiss me, Kate. (MUSIC CUE 12: Finale. Sings.) Kiss me, Kate, kiss me, Kate, For I am your master, your lord and your mate. Kiss me, Kate, kiss me, Kate, My Kate I can t wait, kiss me, Kate! ALL: (Sing.) Kiss him, Kate, kiss him, Kate, For he is your master, your lord and your mate! Kiss him, Kate, kiss him, Kate, Dear Kate, he can t wait. Kiss him, Kate. 46

51 HORTENSIO: (At end of song.) Well, it s one part of a happy day, you have tamed a shrew. LUCENTIO: I wonder how many on this stage can say the same, And how many in the audience bear the shame Of a wife that s passing true And all the same, is yet a shrew. All who have tamed a shrew, speak (Waves to audience.) If your wife gives you permission to God give you all good night! MUSIC CUE 12a: Bow Music. CURTAIN ALL: (Sing.) Yes, it s true, yes, it s true. Petruchio won out in taming his shrew. She s his wife, she s his wife, and she is the joy of his life! And they/we will be joyful for life! MUSIC CUE 12b: Exit Music. 47

52 PRODUCTION NOTES PROPERTIES ONSTAGE for ACT TWO, Scene Six: Large banquet table covered with a white cloth. ACT ONE BROUGHT ON, Scene Two: Rope (tied around BIANCA S hands); lute first plain and then patched with a large handkerchief tied around it (HORTENSIO); books (LUCENTIO). ACT TWO BROUGHT ON, Scene Two: Covered plates, baskets, and platters of food (MAID, SERVANTS). BROUGHT ON, Scene Three: LUCENTIO S books (CAMBIO). No special effects. SOUND AND LIGHTS FLEXIBLE CASTING The roles of the three maids may be taken by one actress or several. The roles of BIANCA S MAIDSERVANT and THIRD MAID may be collapsed into one role, as may the roles of KATHERINE S MAIDSERVANT and FIRST MAID. Minor principals TRANIO, BIONDELLO, SERVANT, GUESTS may be used in all general crowd scenes and may be played by male or female actors. Additional SERVANTS may be added as extras in all crowd scenes and particularly in ACT TWO, Scene Two during the song Food! Food! Food! TOWNSPEOPLE may double as SERVANTS or GUESTS. COSTUMES Modified sixteenth-century Italian. Special items needed are scholar s gowns for HORTENSIO and LUCENTIO and a garish wedding costume for PETRUCHIO ( a new hat and an old cloak, a pair of old breeches thrice mended, one high boot and one low shoe ). Note that in ACT TWO, Scene Two, KATHERINE is covered with dirt. 48

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