By David Seaman | Echo
After 1,077 performances in its first run, numerous revivals and countless Tony Awards, Cole Porter's hit musical "Kiss Me, Kate" arrives at Taylor this weekend.
One of the first musical productions to firmly connect music and lyrics to a plot, "Kiss Me, Kate" has thrilled audiences time and again with its wonderfully hectic story, crowd-pleasing tunes and witty dialogue. The Taylor Theatre production, which opens at 8 p.m. Friday, is no exception.
The cast of a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew" arrives in late 1940s Baltimore. Fred Graham is the arrogant director and star of the production and is playing the caddish role of Petruchio. Fred's ex-wife Lilli Vanessi is Katherine, the "shrew" of the title. The two constantly argue, and matters get worse when Fred's message of love to co-star Lois Lane is instead delivered to Lilli.
As the unpleasantries spill from backstage to front, Lois's current boyfriend, Bill Calhoun, stumbles into gambling woes and becomes suspicious of Lois's flirty behavior toward other men. When gangsters and military men force themselves into the show, the play-within-a-play becomes an enjoyable and chaotic frenzy.
The set production of "Kiss Me, Kate" is superb. The play seamlessly rotates from Fred and Lilli's dressing rooms to the backlot of the production to the "Shrew" stage itself. Vibrant colors dominate the stage-within-a-stage, while the backstage is appropriately relaxing and cozy. Great props and audio quality in the singing make for a great production.
Taylor has continuously involved talented actors in its theater program, and "Kiss Me, Kate" carries on the tradition. Sophomore Evan Koons owns the role of the egocentric Fred. He has the looks, the booming radio personality voice and the cocky mannerisms of a 1940s star. Senior Hanna Ryberg also excels as the shrewish Kate, and while the chemistry between her and Fred is rather weak in the beginning it strengthens around the middle of the first act. Koons and Ryberg turn these fame-obsessed stars into fragile human characters, which is no small feat.
Sophomore Carter Perry is smooth and suave as Bill, and junior Haley Kurr plays it coy as the coquettish Lois. Their romantic subplot parallels Fred and Lilli's nicely, and their interactions are both tender and maddening. Ryan Maloney and Terrance Volden also nearly steal the show as two bumbling gangsters who end up as actors in the "Shrew" production. The chorus and backing members also showcase their great choreography and vocal talent.
"Kiss Me, Kate" would not be the hit it is today without some impressive musical numbers. The show is loaded with entertaining songs ranging from the wonderfully witty "I've Come to Wive It Wealthily in Padua" to the sizzling "Too Darn Hot" to the catchy "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." As "Kiss Me, Kate" was also Porter's first integrated musical (in which musical numbers tied in with the plot), it's fun to see how each showstopper corresponds to the overall story.
Besides the music, "Kiss Me, Kate" benefits from deliciously witty dialogue and lyrics. The banter between Fred and Lilli offers many laugh-out-loud moments, and the song lyrics are clever ("If my wife has a bag of gold/Do I care if the bag be old?").
The wit and wordplay of the lyrics and dialogue allow the musical to rise above some uncomfortable moments. However, some parts of the 1948 musical have not aged well. Humor and references from the 1940s are enjoyable in parts, but most will either sail over the audience's head or sound awkward.
Another concern is sexism."The Taming of the Shrew" is controversial in and of itself, but the present-day sentiments in "Kiss Me, Kate" seem to buy into "Shrew"'s inferior-woman message. Some scenes and songs (particularly "Bianca") are shocking and mildly offensive, even for the time period of the show.
Fortunately, the cast is smart enough to play off Porter's chauvinism in a tongue-and-cheek manner. Under the direction of Artistic Director Tracy Manning, "Kiss Me, Kate" aims for a warm and witty good time over a suffocating macho message. Winks and nods, along with some subtle hints from the actors, make the sexist parts easier to swallow.
Overall, "Kiss Me, Kate" is a thoroughly enjoyable show with great humor and plenty of toe-tapping music. Taylor Theatre has put on another first-rate production.
The musical will run this weekend with performances at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday in Mitchell Theatre. "Kiss Me, Kate" will also run at 8 p.m. on Nov. 22 and 23 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets cost $7 for Taylor students, $10 for employees, $12 for adults and $8 for children and senior citizens. They can be purchased at the theater box office in Rupp.
