Classic Shakespeare with a cowboy hat and a Western twang.

That's one way to describe Shakespeare Coeur d'Alene's production of "The Tamin' of the Shrew," opening at 7 tonight on the Midge and Pepper Smock Family Theatre stage.

"Going into this, I really like how everyone's stepped into their characters," Lucy Simpson, who plays Bianca, said Tuesday evening during rehearsal. "It's kind of inspirational to see everyone come together. I feel like now a lot of us know about the Western vibe. We're bringing it together really well. And everyone is like a family behind stage."

"The Tamin' of the Shrew" uses the Bard's language in an alternate setting of 1880s Padua, Wyo., rather than 17th century Italy. This production weaves the tale of Katherine "Kate" Minola, a difficult gal with an irresistible dowry.

"She's unhappy and she's angry at everyone all the time," Director Mary Bowers said. "She's violent, she's a handful."

The down-on-his-luck Petruchio (Nick Kittilstved) comes to town and lands his eyes on Kate.

"She's well-born, she's beautiful, but she is a shrew," Bowers said. "And she comes with a pile of money."

Shelby Marcott, who plays Kate, said it's a comedy to begin with, but turning it into a Western adds more fun and tang.

"Being able to turn it on its Western side really, really gives us a chance to lean into the comedy more than a modern play," she said.

Although it takes place in the Wild West, Marcott said Shakespeare purists will enjoy how the show adheres to classic "Taming of the Shrew" script.

"They're going to see that we're keeping to exactly what Shakespeare wanted," she said. "He wanted certain characters, certain relationships, he wanted certain tropes and jokes to hit a certain way. Our director, Mary, does a great job of hitting every one of those."

The show's 19 cast members range in age from 'tweens to grandparents. "Tamin'" also boasts a live band, Petruchio and the Shrews, that will set the tone for audiences with the sweet sound of bluegrass as showgoers filter into the theater.

"We've been thrilled with how everybody's leaned into the whole Western cowboy motif," Bowers said. "It's added to the humor and how funny the show is."

"It's Shakespeare with a Western drawl, but it's still Shakespeare."

"The Tamin' of the Shrew" runs through March 22. Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors, students and military or $20/$25 each for groups. Fees apply to tickets bought online.

The Kroc Center is at 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d'Alene.

Info: shakespearecda.org

    Lucentio (Seth Weddle), left, and Tranio (Ben Schulzke) scheme during a scene from "The Tamin' of the Shrew."
  

    Jan Harrison adjusts her Merchant character's feathers before "The Tamin' of the Shrew" rehearsal Tuesday evening.