Splendid version of the musical KISS ME KATE, that is based on Shakespeare’s Taming Of The Shrew.
Huge wonderful cast, and the action occurs in the middle of the stage, and beautifully staged via the constant use of the turntable-revolving set design, that only occupies the centre half of the stage. The set design allows all actors to be standing on stage left when not performing.
Money has been well spent, on the many and varied beautiful costumes. Backstage events are set in the year 1948, and the on-stage events have appropriate costumes for the year 1600, but the two guns are from the 20th century.
Simple love story about Fred Graham (Adrian Dunbar) and Lilli Vanessi (Stephanie J. Block), the divorced couple, musical theater actors, who used to be un-happily married together, but still just can’t stand each other. Cole Porter’s legendary musical comedy is adroitly and superbly sung, with memorable perfomances, includes Shakespearean sonnets, singing gangsters (Lippy and Slug), backstage shenanigans, with on-stage shenanigans.
KISS ME KATE – THE MUSICAL – interval from 74.50 minutes – then 15 minute interval – total running time of 160.52 minutes.
Highly Recommended. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
KISS ME KATE broadway première on 30th December 1948, and became Cole Porter’s only show to ever run for 1,077 performances on Broadway. KISS ME KATE won the first ever Tony award for Best Musical, when the category was introduced in 1949.
KISS ME KATE, the 2024 London revival was directed by Bartlett Sher, and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast. KISS ME KATE ran at the 1156 seat, BARBICAN THEATRE in Silk Street, London EC2, from 4th June 2024 to 14th September 2024, with an official opening on 18th June 2024. The production starred Adrian Dunbar as Fred / Petruchio and Stephanie J. Block as Lilli / Katharine. Other cast members included Charlie Stemp as Bill / Lucentio, Georgina Onuorah as Lois / Bianca, and Nigel Lindsay and Hammed Animashaun as the gangsters. The production was filmed on stage for release in UK cinemas from 17th November 2024, and internationally for release in Australian Cinemas from 29th November 2024.
Music by Cole Porter
Lyrics by Cole Porter
Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack
VIDEO TRAILER – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HA0FNtyavRQ&
