Family Musical Theater Continues its Strong Tradition of Community and Charity with KISS ME, KATE

It will indeed be a historic introduction to our 2016 season when Family Musical Theater takes to the stage for their first show of the season, "Kiss Me, Kate".

The exciting story of Kiss Me, Kate involves the production of a musical version of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew and the conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. A secondary romance concerns Lois Lane, the actress playing Bianca, and her gambler boyfriend, Bill, who runs afoul of some gangsters. The original production starred Alfred Drake, Patricia Morison, Lisa Kirk and Harold Lang and won the Tony-Award.

The thrill of live theater is augmented, however, by the power of giving back to the community. A portion of the proceeds from the performances of "Kiss Me, Kate" will benefit Support Dogs, Inc., a St. Louis-based non-profit that provides service dogs and pet therapy to those in need in St. Louis and nationwide. FMT is thrilled to support SDI for a sixth straight season, and looks forward to continuing to raise money and awareness for this special group.

FMT is pleased to be returning to the Ivory Theatre in Carondelet. This building, which served the people of St. Boniface Catholic Church as their worship space for over 140 years, has been recently renovated into a fascinating theater space, incorporating elements of the original church throughout.

"Kiss Me, Kate" will run Friday, and Saturday, May 6, 7, 13, and 14, at 8 p.m., Thursday, May 12 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 8 and 15, at 2 p.m. at the Ivory Theatre, 7620 Michigan Avenue in Carondelet. Tickets are $20 in advance or at the door, with special discounts for seniors and children. Thursday nights are 2 for $25. Call 314-616-5966 for availability, or go to www.familymusicaltheater.org

Family Musical Theater is a registered non-profit organization based in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. FMT is a volunteer-run group that donates proceeds from its productions to a local charity. FMT has been giving the St. Louis community an opportunity to participate in live charitable Community Theater since 1989. To find out more information, please contact John R. Jauss at (314) 306-9150 or visit www.familymusicaltheater.org. Family Musical Theater is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the State of Missouri.

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