Kiss Me Kate

Kiss Me, Kate

May 14 – June 14

Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter

Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack

Choreographed by Peggy Hickey

Directed by Darko Tresnjak

A co-production with The Old Globe

A renowned director of Shakespeare and musical comedy, Darko Tresnjak brings his two passions together in this new revival of Kiss Me, Kate. Director of our current Broadway smash, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Darko promises a Kiss Me, Kate like none before.

Cole Porter’s joyful and high-spirited musical comedy follows the backstage antics of a touring company performing The Taming of the Shrew, featuring two feuding couples, a few gun-toting gangsters, and some of the best numbers ever written: “Another Op’nin,’ Another Show,” “Too Darn Hot,” “Wunderbar,” “So in Love,” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.”

Darko’s Comments…

As a director, I have two grand passions – the plays of William Shakespeare and the American musical theatre. They come together, in Kiss Me Kate, Cole Porter’s supreme entertainment about a troupe of actors putting on a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew.

I started working on this musical in 1990, when I fell in love with the influential album “Red, Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter.” It introduced his smart and sexy music to a whole new generation. After 25 years, I’m thrilled to finally get a chance to direct this delightful piece.

So “Brush Up Your Shakespeare” and join us for a “Too Darn Hot” evening of song, dance, and laughter to cap our 51st anniversary season. It will be “Wunderbar!”

The Cast of Kiss Me, KateThe Cast of Kiss Me, KateThe Cast of Kiss Me, KateTyler Hanes, Megan SikoraTyler Hanes, Megan SikoraMike McGowan, Anastasia BarzeeJoel Blum, Mike McGowan, Brendan AverettGiovanni Bonaventura, Tyler Hanes, Megan Sikora, Barrett MartinMegan Sikora, Barrett Martin, Giovanni Bonaventura, Tyler HanesThe Cast of Kiss Me, KateAnastasia BarzeeAnastasia BarzeeMike McGowan, Anastasia BarzeeCast of Kiss Me, KateAnastasia BarzeeJeff Steitzer, Megan Sikora, Tyler Hanes, Wayne PretlowAnastasia Barzee, Mike McGowanThe Cast of Kiss Me, KateJames T. LaneShina Ann Morris, James T. Lane, Michael StarrThe Cast of Kiss Me, KateJames T. LaneJane Papageorge, Megan Sikora, Robin Masella, Shina Ann MorrisRobin Masella, Giovanni Bonaventura James T. Lane, Charity Angel DawsonTony Lawson, Megan SikoraMegan SikoraThe Cast of Kiss Me, KateThe Cast of Kiss Me, Kate

Photos by T. Charles Erickson

Artistic

Director
Darko Tresnjak

Choreographer
Peggy Hickey

Scenic Design
Alexander Dodge

Costume Design
Fabio Toblini

Lighting Design
Philip Rosenberg

Sound Design
Jonathan Deans

Music Director
Kris Kukul

Dramaturg
Elizabeth Williamson

Stage Manager
Anjee Nero

Assistant Stage Manager
Amanda Salmons

Assistant Director
Sarah Hartmann

Cast

Second Man
Brendan Averett

Lilli/Kate
Anastasia Barzee

First Man
Joel Blum

Hortensio
Giovanni Bonaventura

Ralph
Robert Hannon Davis

Hattie
Charity Angel Dawson

Bill/Lucentio
Tyler Hanes

Paul
James T. Lane

General Harrison Howell/Stagehand
Tony Lawson

Gremio
Barrett Martin

Fred/Petruchio
Mike McGowan

Pops/Priest
Wayne W. Pretlow

Lois/Bianca
Megan Sikora

Phillip
Michael Starr

Harry Trevor/Baptista Minola
Jeff Steitzer

Nathaniel
Johnny Stellard

Dancers
Robin Masella, Shina Ann Morris, Jane Papageorge

Sponsors

Presenting Sponsor
The Hartford

Principal Sponsor
Radisson

Production Sponsors

The John and Kelly Hartman Foundation

The Cheryl Chase and Stuart Bear Family Foundation

Assisting Production Sponsor

The Saunders Foundation

Additional Support Provided by

The Larsen Fund

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