Kiss Me, Kate atQuintessence Theatre

            “Kiss Me, Kate” opened on Broadway in 1948. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, it was a modern version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.“  A year after its premier, it won the very first Tony Award for best musical. Despite its popularity around the world for 75 years, I’d never seen it nor the 1953 movie. I was looking forward to seeing the current production at Quintessence based on the 1999 revival, I was blown away. The actors, the singers, the songs that I knew but didn’t realize that they came from “Kiss Me, Kate,” were a joy to experience. And the powerful direction and choreography by Todd Underwood was outstanding.

From the research I did before the show, I learned that it was inspired by the struggles of Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, a famed acting couple, during the production of “The Taming of the Shrew” in 1935.  The book, written by Sam and Bella Spewack tells a story of a divorced and estranged couple that are about to play Petruchio and Katherine (Kate) in a production of “The Taming of the Shrew” in 1948. The story shifts back and forth between “Shrew” and the real-life scenes backstage at the theater where there are a few romantic stories that are more than just subplots.

In the play, Lilli Vanessi is cast to play Kate opposite Fred Graham, Vanessi’s estranged ex-husband. While she is angry at him, she occasionally seems to hope they can rekindle something. But he is going after the young Lois Lane (no connection to Superman), a beautiful woman who is a bit of an airhead and who appears to have had many lovers and is seeking the role of Bianca to rise above her past. She toys with Graham but connects with Bill, who is seeking the role of Lucentio, while hiding from gangsters for a big gambling debt. Lots of story, but it’s not really that complicated when you see it on the stage.

            Right from the start, we are drawn into Cole Porter’s memorable songs with “Another Openin’ Another Show” by the company. And what a company it is! And as much as I enjoyed the solos of Porter’s masterpiece, I was incredibly impressed with Underwood’s moving the performers about the set flawlessly despite the complicated nature of the action and the small stage, while they sing the delightful Porter songs.

            As for the songs- “Why Can’t You Behave, Wunderbar, So in Love, We Open in Venice, Tom, Dick or Harry, and I Hate Men”- these were just some of the songs in the first act! “Too Darn Hot” leads off the second act which has others that are classics too. And it was a joy to simply watch them sing and move. So many varied characters portrayed so expertly.

            I saw it the day after the press opening and the female lead playing Lilli Vanessi, Jennie Eisenhower, was ill and the role was played by understudy, Lyse Langley. A fine actor with a beautiful voice, I’d never have known she was an understudy were it not for the statement before the play began. I’m sure it is just as powerful with Eisenhower who was brilliant when she played Dolly Levi in “Hello Dolly” last year at Act II Playhouse. Unfortunately, Chris Cherrin, the male lead who portrayed Fred Graham and Petruchio was not as strong. He had neither the voice nor the presence as Langley or the others in the cast.

            I thoroughly enjoyed Renee McFillin as Lois Lane. She didn’t play it in an over-the-top style where others might have. Yet her voice, her movement on stage was mesmerizing. And as a member of the ensemble, I couldn’t take my eyes off the dancing moves of Ian Coulter Buford.

Two of the guys in men’s ensemble doubled as gangsters and they were a riot. The costumes by Summer Lee Jack were first rate, and the flexible set by John Raley was most creative.

            This production of “Kiss Me, Kate,” is a must see for anyone who loves old Broadway shows and Cole Porter.  Kudos to Producing Artistic Director Alexander Burns for bringing this classic to the Quintessence stage and to Todd Underwood for giving it such life.

“Kiss Me, Kate” Book by Sam & Bella Spewack, Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter at Quintessence Theatre, 7137 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19119, 215-987-4450, quintessencetheatre.org   Thru January 5, 2025