BWW Reviews: The Muny's Lively Production of KISS ME KATE

Following closely on the heels of Shakespeare Festival St. Louis' sparkling 1950's update of The Taming of the Shrew, audiences at the Muny get the unique opportunity to compare and contrast the original with the musical remake as Kiss Me Kate takes the stage in wondrous fashion. The chance to hear a swinging ensemble play Cole Porter's terrific score is reason enough to take in this production of Kiss Me Kate, but when you add in the eye-catching costumes, enthusiastic performances and lively dance numbers, you have the complete package.

Cole Porter's musical reworking of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew is filled with Porter's cleverly conceived lyrical rhymes, but slightly hampered by an underwritten book by Samuel and Bella Spewack that only manages to flesh out the lead characters with any kind of real depth. Still, there's plenty to enjoy in this re-imagining, especially when viewed on the huge and expansive Muny stage.

Fred Graham and his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi are starring in a musical production of The Taming of the Shrew while coming to terms with the character traits that led to their break up. On the anniversary of their divorce Lilli receives a bouquet of flowers from Fred, but she doesn't realize that they're meant for another actress in the production. This leads to a brief reconciliation that quickly turns sour on stage when an accompanying note reveals the truth. Adding intrigue to the story are a pair of hoods that have Fred's supposed signature on a note for ten thousand dollars, and are prepared to use their pistols to procure payment.

Tom Hewitt and Lisa Vroman play the bickering exes and do delightful work together. Vroman shines as Lilli on the ballad "So In Love", and as Katherine, "shrewing" her way through a splendid version of "I Hate Men". Hewitt is also solid throughout, imbuing his Fred and Petruchio with the necessary narcissistic mannerisms. The part's challenging vocals are also well suited to his range, and he stands out on "Wunderbar" and "Where Is The Life That I Led?".

Andrea Chamberlain is nicely cast as the promiscuous dancer and actress with a familiar name, Lois Lane. The flowers that Lilli receives are meant for her. But then, she's used to getting gifts from men, much to the dismay of her boyfriend, Bill Calhoun, well played by Curtis Holbrook. Chamberlain espouses her idea of monogamy in the energetic number "Always True To You In My Fashion", while Holbrook offers up his take on the subject of love with the song, "Bianca".

Max Kumangai and Zoe Vonder Haar both sparkle as Paul and Hattie, respectively, with Kumangai kicking off the proceedings with a rousing version of "Another Op'nin', Another Show". As the gangsters, Lee Roy Reams and Conrad John Schuck make a bid to steal the show, and their amusing number "Brush Up On Your Shakespeare" serves as a convincing argument. But, the entire ensemble is well cast, including James Anthony as Harrison Howell, and especially Joneal Joplin as frustrated and flustered Shakespearean actor Harry Trevor.

Director John Going does fine work with the pace of the show, keeping the action and scene changes flowing smoothly. The sparks don't really seem to catch on, however, until the Shakespeare begins and the hoods arrive on the scene. Liza Gennaro's choreography fits the late 1940's setting perfectly, playing to the strengths of the actors and dancers, and musical director Ben Whiteley conducts the Muny orchestra with considerable aplomb. Steve Gilliam's scenic design is sharply executed and fills the stage with color and style, while the Kansas City Costume company's contributions add vibrancy. F. Mitchell Dana's lighting is properly illuminating as always.

Theatre fans are in for a real treat, especially those who were lucky enough to catch Shakespeare's original in the Forest Park Glen recently. The Muny's upbeat and captivating production of Kiss Me Kate is a real winner, and it continues through July 3, 2011.

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