THEATER - November 14, 2001
First of all, I have to say I was in a production of "Kiss Me, Kate" a year-and-a-half ago, so I walked into Wharton Center with preconceived notions about the show. But at the same time, I came in already knowing the show. That being said, there were some great moments in the opening night production I saw, and there were moments that didn't quite live up to their potential.
The show is really two shows in one. It is the story of a company performing a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew," complete with requisite backstage bickering, jealousies and shenanigans. It also is the musical version of "Shrew," complete with songs and dances. In the middle of the mess are Fred Graham (Rex Smith) and Lilli Vanessi (Rachel York), a divorced couple who star as Petruchio and Katherine in "The Taming of the Shrew."
Smith is one of the bright spots in the production. His Fred Graham is a happy balance between the overbearing and arrogant actor and the gentle lover who never has gotten over Lilli. Unfortunately, he was under-miked for most of the show so hearing him was often a struggle. It is a testament to Smith's ability in the role that he was able to maintain the audience's interest throughout the production.
Some may remember Smith as a pop music star in the '70s with hits like "You Take My Breath Away." Now, some 25 years later, he still has those pipes. They were particularly in evidence on "Were Thine That Special Face" and the reprise of "So In Love."
York's highlight of the evening came during her bawdy rendition of "I Hate Men." She struts around the stage, making garbage of cups, plates and anything else in her way. York also possesses a beautiful voice (as evidenced on "So In Love," and her duet with Chuck Wagner, "From This Moment On") but at times seemed to struggle with energy.
In fact, the entire show seemed to struggle with energy. Although everything seemed to be in place, I kept waiting for someone to kick the stage happenings into high gear. "I Hate Men" seemed to get the ball rolling, but the energy level seemed to go in and out during the rest of the production.
One person who did not have any trouble with energy was Jenny Hill as Lois Lane, a cabaret dancer making her theatrical debut as Bianca in the company's "Taming of the Shrew." She made "Always True to You (In My Fashion)" one of the production's high points.
Also deserving mention are Susan Beaubian (her strong voice on "Another Op'nin' Another Show" was impressive), and two gangsters (Richard Poe and Michael Arkin) who taught us all a lesson with "Brush Up Your Shakespeare"). Also, the second act opener "Too Darn Hot" got the audience into the spirit of things.
If "Kiss Me, Kate" didn't land a big, wet one on the mouth, it did give those in attendance a nice little peck.
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