NEWSLETTER
In this battle of wills, who ends up transformed?
New York, NY (May 21, 2026) -- BOOMERANG THEATRE COMPANY is pleased to announce its upcoming revival of THE TAMING OF THE SHREW, directed by Philip Emeott. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW will play a four-week limited engagement at Central Park (69th St. and Central Park West). Performances begin Saturday, June 20 and continue through Sunday, July 19. Opening Night is Saturday, June 27 (2 p.m.). Tickets are free.
Set on the lawn in the afternoon sun, this free performance digs into the play’s charged themes with humor, invention, and Boomerang’s trademark sense of adventure. Expect sharp banter, bold reinterpretation, and the thrill of live theatre unfolding against the backdrop of the city. Perfect for families, Shakespeare fans, and park-goers alike, this summertime tradition invites audiences to gather, laugh, and engage with a classic story in a fresh new light.
Since 1999, Boomerang has brought free Shakespeare to New York City parks and public spaces. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW continues that tradition as the company’s 23rd free Shakespeare production, building on 159 performances that have served more than 21,000 audience members.
The production stars Emily Ann Banks* (Off-Bway/Regional: Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing, Cuckoo) as Tranio, Katy Castaldi* (Regional: Our Town, Enchanted April, A Streetcar Named Desire) as Kate, Nikolas Elrifi (Film: Swipe Right For Danger, Saturday Bite Fever, Her Deadly Game) as Lucentio, Ryan Holmes* (The Morning Show, Back On The Strip) as The Merchant/Ensemble, Thane Madsen (Off-Bway: The Wizard of Oz, Fancy Nancy Splendiferous Christmas) as Petruchio, Miriam Muriithi* (Off-Bway: Hot Blood Sundae) as Bianca, Tom Paolino* (Film: The Purge: Election Year, All I Wish, Underdog) as Vincentio George Pappas* (Regional: The Giver, The Diary Of Anne Frank) as Baptista, Anthony Simone* (TV: Succession, FBI, American Horror Stories) as Grumio, Tarantino Smith* (Invisible Man, Black Boy) as Hortensio, Jack Sochet* (Gotham, The Tonight Show, The Heyday Of The Insensitive Bastards) as Gremio, and Vanessa Wendt* (Penny, Kingdom Faire) as The Widow.
The production features prop design by Elizabeth Tarsky, costume design by Stefanie Genda, and fight direction by Vanessa Wendt. Meg Dowling is the stage manager, and Quinn Fastnow is the assistant stage manager. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR.
Running Time: 110 minutes
Website: https://www.boomerangtheatre.
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BIOGRAPHIES
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE (Playwright) was an English playwright, poet, and actor of the Renaissance era. He was an important member of the King’s Men theatrical company from roughly 1594 onward. Known throughout the world, Shakespeare’s works—at least 37 plays, 154 sonnets, and 2 narrative poems—capture
BOOMERANG THEATRE COMPANY has delivered critically acclaimed work in New York City for nearly three decades. A leading voice in the indie theatre community, Boomerang brings artists and audiences together to tell compelling stories and take meaningful artistic risks. Our work reflects the concerns, hopes, and imagination of the communities we serve.
We are committed to producing bold new plays alongside reimagined classics, championing both emerging and established voices. Recent productions include The Lucky Ones by Lia Romeo at TheaterLab, Mercutio Loves Romeo Loves Juliet Loves by Gina Femia at The Gural Theatre at ART/NY, and The Great Divide by Amy Crossman at HERE Arts Center. Our seasons have included rotating repertory, world premieres, new musicals, readings, and hybrid performance events, all grounded in an artist-centric approach that prioritizes collaboration and creative ambition.
Boomerang is currently in the midst of its nine-play “Super Season,” a multi-year initiative running through 2027 that includes three Shakespeare productions and six premieres of new plays. This ambitious slate reflects our commitment to pairing classical work with urgent contemporary voices, creating a dynamic dialogue between past and present.
Boomerang occupies a unique place in New York City’s theatrical ecosystem as a creative home for artists seeking to experiment, grow, and produce adventurous work. As an institutional Off-Off Broadway company, we produce a range of ongoing programs, including our Free Outdoor Shakespeare series, the First Flight New Play Festival, Rock-n-Roles, and our artist-driven reading series, The Baton Project. These initiatives foster intimate, engaged audiences and create accessible entry points to live performance.
Fiercely independent and driven by a commitment to excellence, Boomerang continues to expand what indie theatre can be—bold, inclusive, and deeply connected to its community.
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THE TAMING OF THE SHREW plays the following schedule through Sunday, July 19:
Saturday, June 20 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, June 27 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, June 28 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, July 18 at 2 p.m.
Sunday, July 19 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are free and do not require a reservation.
Listings Information:
Who: Boomerang Theatre Company
What: The Taming of the Shrew
Where: Central Park (69th St and Central Park W)
When: Saturdays and Sundays, June 20 - July 19
Free admission
Kate has no patience for suitors—and even less for the rules that say she must marry before her younger sister can. Armed with wit, fury, and the occasional fist, she’s kept every match at bay.
Until Petruchio arrives, eager for the challenge.
In this battle of wills, who ends up transformed?