An oldie but a goodie
Kiss me Kate acing the test of time
Article by Alejandra Enciso Guzmán
It has become sort of a theme on Broadway to do magic wardrobe changes onstage; hence Cinderella, Motown and It Shoulda Been You, (to name a few) there is also another one going around which is, backstage happenings in theatre for plots. Um… It’s Only a Play, Something Rotten…
These references played in my head while watching Kiss me Kate, currently playing at the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage, at the Old Globe. Showing that good well written material will withstand the test of time. Regardless of video games, social media, tinders and matches.
A piece that first opened in 1948 on Broadway, with a few revivals that followed some forty years later. The Globe’s production pairing with Connecticut based Hartford Stage, sends a classic/classy feel, delivering a 100% BROADWAY show. Meaning you looking up (or Google) ‘Broadway show’ and finding this in an example sentence. Off course props to Director and Tony Award Winner Darko Tresnjak.
A theatre company is touring with Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. You have your lead actors (somewhat divas) big movie star gone back to theater, Lilli Vanessi in the role of Kate (Anastasia Barzee) and Fred Graham as Petruchio (Mike McGowan) who by the way, are divorced and apparently not completely over each other. Why not throw them onstage right? And to top it off, go on tour! What could go wrong? Another incoming reference: Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton (sorry! I cannot help it). The plot thickens when a certain delivery of flowers gets derailed before going onstage superstition. The icing on the cake: one gambling actor in the company dumps his betting debt onto another… Then Shakespeare really gets a run for his money, mafia thugs debuting on stage included.
What stands out in a magnificent, crisp way: Peggy Hickey’s choreography, extraordinarily executed by Megan Sikora, Giovanni Bonaventura, Tyler Hanes, James T. Lane, Barrett Martin, Robin Masella, Shina Ann Morris, Jane Papageorge, Michael Starr, Johnny Stellard and Aurelia Williams. It is flawless. Megan Sikora as actress Lois Lane playing Bianca, has a strong voice that some points in the show, gets a little too strong and whistle-y.
Alexander Dodge’s scenic design with the rotating sets and platform as the sliding walls, quickly change the scene from Shakespearean XVI century Padua to modern American backstage (Baltimore) theater and dressing rooms were perfectly paired with Fabio Toblini’s Costume Design, accented on Petruchio’s hats, having an entrance and timing for them alone.
Barzees portrayal of both Lili and ‘I am what I am man-hater’ Kate is quirky and on point. Mike McGowan just going onstage alone doing nothing, would be a total hit. Strong presence, potent theatre voice. Bravo! Mafia thugs played by Brendan Averett and Joel Blum will have everybody enjoying a good laugh.
Kiss me Kate with book by Sam and Bella Spewack and score by Cole Porter is the perfect way to –relive– your Shakespeare buzz along with the Globe’s annual Shakespeare festival. Extended until August 9th by popular demand. What does that tell you?
Ticket prices start at $39 dollars. For more information please go to: www.theoldglobe.org/tickets/production or call (619) 23-GLOBE [234-5623].
