Seattle Musical Theatre hits all of the right notes with its performance of Kiss Me Kate. Kiss Me Kate follows the story of a divorced couple, Lilli Vanessi (Tae Phoenix) and Fred Graham (Jimmi Cook), who are back at work together putting on a Broadway-bound musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew. From the highly energetic dance numbers to the melancholy solos, each actor on the stage gives a great performance that leaves the audience forgetting they are watching actors on the stage.
Pheoenix and Cook ensure that their portrayal of the complex relationship between their two characters throughout the events of the musical are at the forefront of the story. One moment Lilli Vanessi and Fred Graham are fighting and making snarky remarks, the next they are singing and gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes. Their chemistry, and the ability to keep it while physically going to blows with one another, adds to the heart of the show. The audience is able to see what is underneath the surface of what these two characters are trying to show everyone else.
Some of the most memorable moments of the musical is when the ensemble gets together for their rousing moments and perform amazing dance routines choreography by Jared Jones. You will not be able to help yourself as you smile and tap your foot along with these talented members of the cast while they give it their all.
Despite the love story between the two main characters dominating the plot, the aspects of humor that are inserted into the play is what kept it new and fresh. With Kiss Me Kate originally being premiered in 1949, some of the jokes could have been easily outdated. However, the performers deliver them in such a way that keeps the audience informed and in the inner circle. The jokes are perfectly timed by all members of the cast and will leave many of the audience members consistently laughing.
Kiss Me Kate is an entertaining performance that has the audience engaged throughout the entirety of the plot. There is love and hate, saucy dance numbers, and fantastic vocals. All around this musical is everything an audience member could ever want.
Kiss Me Kate : Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter, Book by Sam & Bella Spewack. Directed by Megan Brewer. Run Time is 2 hours and 20 minutes plus a 10 minute intermission. Seattle Musical Theatre, 7120 62nd Ave Ne, Seattle, WA 98115. Free Parking. Runs April 7-30th. Friday and Saturday 7:30 PM, Sunday 2 PM. Tickets: http://tickets.vendini.com Info: http://seattlemusical.org/ or (206) 363-2809