UPSTAGE SPOTLIGHT KISS ME, KATE


Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Sam and Bella Spewack Directed by Scott Ellis Choreography by Warren Carlyle Music Direction Paul Gemignani


In the constellation of musical comedy masterpieces, Kiss Me, Kate shines as perhaps Broadway's most sparkling achievement. This is the winner of the first-ever Tony Award for Best Musical, alive with onstage romance, backstage passion, comedy high and low, a dash of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, and a stylish, sexy, sophisticated songbook that includes “Too Darn Hot,” “So In Love” and “Always True To You In My Fashion.” Once again, Roundabout catapults you to musical comedy heaven, with a brand-new Kiss Me, Kate.


A NOTE FROM ARTISTIC DIRECTOR TODD HAIMES


Few musicals hold so cherished a place in the American canon as Kiss Me, Kate. Celebrated for its spellbinding cast of characters, its tantalizing dance numbers, and, of course, Cole Porter’s unforgettable songs, Kiss Me, Kate presents a legendary power play between dueling performers Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham. Their electrifying battle, reverberating from the pages of William Shakespeare, has both captured imaginations and sparked debate for decades.


Our remarkable director, cast, and creative team have created a Kiss Me, Kate that resurrects all the magic of its 1948 debut while rising to the responsibility of a 2019 revival. As exhilarating and hilarious as ever, Lilli and Fred’s captivating combat stands as both a snapshot of its time and a continuation of today’s largest conversations. Kiss Me, Kate comes back to masterful life with intensity, passion, delight—and perspective.


WHEN A very warm day in June 1948


WHERE The stage of Ford’s Theatre, Baltimore WHO


Lilli Vanessi: a star of stage and screen, former wife of Fred; plays Katharina, “the Shrew” Fred Graham: Lilli’s ex, an actor, director, and producer; plays Petruchio, Katherine’s “tamer” Lois Lane: a nightclub singer, featured in her first stage role as Bianca, Katharina’s sister Bill Calhoun: a Broadway “hoofer” (dancer) and a chronic gambler; plays Lucentio, one of Bianca’s suitors Harrison Howell: a politician and Lilli’s fiance Two Gangsters: a pair of enforcers Ralph: stage manager for The Taming of the Shrew Hattie: Lilli’s dresser Paul: Fred’s dresser Harry: character actor who plays Baptista, Katharina and Bianca’s father Pops: stage doorman Performers and Backstage Crew: for The Taming of the Shrew


2 ROUNDABOUT THEATRE COMPANY


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