BWW Reviews: KISS ME KATE is 'Too Darn Hot' at NextStop Theatre

Lilli Vanessi's life is moving up. She is engaged to the weathly politician, Harrison Howell, and she is making her comeback to the stage in a production of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew as its leading leading lady, Kate. Just as Lilli thought she would be able to move forward, she is confronted by her past as her ex-husband, Fred Graham, is starring as the leading man, Petruchio, in The Taming of the Shrew. During opening night in Baltimore, misunderstandings and tensions abound as two gangsters confront Fred for money and Lilli begins to think that Fred still loves her. NEXTSTOP Theatre Company's production of Kiss Me Kate, directed by Michael Bobbitt, is truly "too darn hot".

The cast of Kiss Me Kate only has eleven members, but this small size cast is a perfect fit due to NEXTSTOP Theatre's space being limited to an intimate black box. Each actor plays two or more roles in the musical. With all of the roles, there isn't any moment of blurring between characters. Each actor is able to make their characters memorable, district, and lovable. Overall, the cast is a powerhouse. During the strong opening song, "Another Openin' Another Show," with leading vocals by Daphne Epps as Hattie, the cast packs a powerful punch and it feels like there are more than eleven voices singing in unison.

Karen Vincent brings a wit and sass to both of her characters, Lilli and Kate. Vincent channels Kate's loathe of men well during the comical song, "I Hate Men." One of the highlights of this song is when Vincent finds a male audience member and stares at him with displeasure. Vincent is able to show a stunning range of emotions from anger to head over heels passion. Vincent carries out Lilli's romantic side during the passionate song, "So in Love Am I." Paul Scanlan is charming as Fred Graham and he is an excellent choice to play the leading man in Kiss Me Kate. His chemistry with Vincent during number, "Wunderbar," is apparent and they are able to work with each other to bring out the best in their characters, especially during dramatic scenes in the dressing rooms. Scanlan's vocals are smooth especially during Petruchio's songs. He executes Petruchio's determination to find a rich wife intensely during the song, "I've Come To Wive It Wealthily in Padua." Emily Levey plays the seductive Lois Lane and young Bianca with poise. Her solo during the playful song, "Always True to You in My Fashion" reveals a unique side to Lois that catches the audience by surprise. Hasani Allen's performance as Paul during the jazz song, "Too Darn Hot," is striking. Allen certainly takes the lead on this song without hesitation with his solid vocals and skillful dance moves. Kevin Place as Gangster #1 and Drew Stairs as Gangster #2 are laugh out loud funny. From their accents to their constant mixing of up of words, Place and Stairs are comedic gold. The duo's performance of "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" is lighthearted, goofy, and clearly an audience favorite.

The strength of the cast is balanced with the remarkably detailed aspects of the production. The set, designed by Elizabeth McFadden, blends in with the black box theatre. The beautiful wooden stage is the center piece of the set. To the side, there is a space with flats and sand bags to represent the back of the stage. Although there is no orchestra pit, the design of the set allows the orchestra to fit in this back stage area. The set immerses the audience into the world of Kiss Me Kate. It makes one feel that the entire black box is one continuous stage and the actors definitely use the space to their advantage including parts of the stairs and upper level of the black box. The costumes, designed by Kristina Martin, reflect the styles of the late 1940's and of Shakespeare's time. The music, performed by a quartet and directed by Steve Przybylski, never overwhelms the cast's voices,. The choreography by Rachel Dolan keeps in mind the space available to the actors and brings out a "Chicago-esque" vibe during certain numbers.

NEXTSTOP Theatre's production of Kiss Me Kate, directed by Michael Bobbitt, is Cole Porter's timeless musical at its finest. The production runs until September 13, 2015. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Photo caption and credit: Hasani Allen and the cast of Kiss Me Kate performs "Too Darn Hot" at NextStop Theatre. (Photo by Traci J. Brooks Studios.)

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