New York-based actor Christopher Innvar has played characters varying from Javert in “Les Miserables” to Floyd Collins in the musical of the same name. He has just returned to the Shakespeare Theatre for the second time, to star as Petruchio in “Taming of the Shrew.”
What’s unique about this particular production?
It’s kind of a Fellini-esque sort of world. It’s sort of in a modern setting, but the exact period isn’t described. The director also cut a character and streamlined it to be basically a love story.
What’s your favorite scene?
The first scene between Kate and Petruchio. It’s kind of a famous wooing scene. It’s great because it’s the first time we meet, and it’s sort of a sparring match mainly between our wits — though it also becomes physical — between two very passionate, heated people.
What themes from this work still resonate?
Kate’s looking to find her place in the world. Her family and the society she lives in at Padua is really kind shallow. It’s a story of someone finding their true voice, and how they can get along in a society that doesn’t necessarily hold the same values. That’s something I think is very prevalent today.
What about the character appealed to you?
The character has to be very strong-willed and bombastic, and I still have to make him human and witty and funny, because he is all those things as well.
So tell the truth, as the playbills seem to indicate as much — has every stage actor in New York been on “Law and Order” at some point?
Yeah, pretty much. I’ve personally done three episodes. It’s based in New York, and it’s just beenrunning for so long. And now there’s three of them! But yeah, everyone usually has a shot at it at some point.
