Kiss Me, Kate is a five-time
Tony award winning musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Sam
and Bella Spewack. It recounts the wild
backstage and onstage antics of two feuding couples during a production of The Taming of the Shrew.
Rick Hilsabeck as Fred Graham/Petruchio and Sarah
Pfisterer as Lilli Vanessi/Katherine and ensemble
members (Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott) |
Directed
by Cynthia Thole and wonderfully led by Broadway couple Sarah Pfisterer, as
Lilli Vanessi/Katherine, and Rick Hilsabeck as Fred Graham/Petruchio, this
production keeps the audience engaged and laughing throughout the close to two
and a half hour show. The pair brings boldness, flare and charm to their
dueling characters. They are supported by Lisa Dempsey (Lois Lane/Bianco),
Kevin Patrick Martin (Bill Calhoun/Luciento) and a fantastic ensemble who keep
the energy high with fun and exciting dance numbers. The entire company looked
as though they were having a terrific time during their opening night
performance; which in turn, led the audience to have a wonderful time as well.
Lovely Hoffman (center) as Hattie, Lisa Dempsey
(front- left) as Lois Lane/Bianca, and ensemble members
(Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott)
|
Two
stand out performances came at the beginning of each act. First, was Lovely
Hoffman’s shining performance of Hattie during the opening number “Another
Op’nin’, Another Show”; which she performed along with the ensemble, who seemed
more than ready to get this show underway. This number captured the audience’s
attention and was a wonderful start to the show. Second, came from Darren
Bunch, as Paul, who fantastically led the spirited “Too Darn Hot” at the
beginning of act two. If there’s a number that can instantly re-engage and wow
the audience “Too Darn Hot” is that number.
Darren Bunch (front-center) as Paul and ensemble members (Courtesy Reagle Music Theatre/Herb Philpott) |
One
of my favorite parts of this production comes not from the stage but from the
pit. The orchestra of nineteen musicians, led by Conductor Jeffrey P. Leonard,
was fantastic from the beginning to end. They played Porter’s score like no
other orchestra I’ve heard. They were sometimes upbeat and sometimes hauntingly
beautiful, but at all times they were incredible.
Another
area of note is the creative scenic design by Richard Schreiber whose colorful
and multi-use set brought more life to the production. Speaking of life, the
choreography by Susan M. Chebookjian was superbly executed by the cast. It was
clear that they worked hard to make their dancing unified and exhilarating to
watch.
This
show is a fun night at the theatre and I’m sure the other thousand people at
last night’s opening would agree. Kiss Me,
Kate plays until July 19th at the Robinson Theatre (617
Lexington Street, Waltham, MA). For information and tickets visit
www.reaglemusictheatre.com
No comments:
Post a Comment