~ Fr. Kevin Connell, SJ and Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew (this weekend)

an excerpt from a story in the Spokesman Review

When the Rev. Kevin Connell decided to take a position as principal at Gonzaga Preparatory School in 2006, he was excited about the job. He also knew that returning to Spokane would give him a chance to pursue another project he had in mind for some time.

During the 10 years Connell had spent working at Jesuit schools in Portland, he performed in outdoor Shakespearean productions there, and at the Idaho Shakespeare Festival in Boise. This weekend he’s bringing outdoor Shakespeare to Spokane.

“I just think the climate is perfect for outdoor theater in Spokane; you know you will not get rained on,” Connell said.

His cast consists of Gonzaga University students from the Way Off Broadway Theater Group. The classic they are performing is “Taming of the Shrew.”

“I called up students who are talented and creative, students I already knew,” Connell said. “Usually the Way Off Broadway group does something much more modern and cutting edge, and they perform at the Empyrean Coffee House.”

The group has been rehearsing on site at Gonzaga Prep, where the cast wrapped up the last details under storm clouds last week.

Visit Gonzaga Prep (and catch the show)