Ought To Be Clowns tackles a trio of Broadway cast recordings in the shape of Cole Porter’s The New Yorkers, Kiss Me, Kate! and Beetlejuice.
Mark Shenton previews what theatre he is looking forward to in 2019: From London to Broadway
We’ve said goodbye to 2018 — including a look back at some of the year’s highlights and lowlights. Now it’s time to look ahead to 2019 — and offer my picks of the year so far announced.
‘It’s an absolute gift to any actor’: Rebecca Lock plays Lilli in Sheffield Crucible’s Kiss Me, Kate
Fresh from starring as Ms Fleming in Heathers, Rebecca Lock is tackling the tough but exciting role of Lilli in the Sheffield Crucible’s production of Kiss Me, Kate. Rebecca chatted to us all about the show, how Lilli is an ever-relevant character and what people can expect from this new production…
‘A Golden Age feast for the senses’: KISS ME, KATE – West End
In choosing to restore rather than rejuvenate, Opera North has created a genuinely fascinating and faithful window into a bygone era. In doing so, however, they’ve chosen to celebrate the show as an antiquity, rather than drawing on its more timeless qualities.
‘It feels a problematic choice to stage’: KISS ME, KATE – West End
Under the glossy veneer of amazing choreography, the fulsome sound of Opera North’s orchestra and some spectacular performances, its gender politics are simply presented as they are. And presumably it’s OK because that’s what it was like then.
‘A Wunderbar production’: KISS ME, KATE – West End ★★★
After touring for a while, Opera North’s production of Kiss Me, Kate has slipped into the London Coliseum for a short run which showcases its glorious score and stellar cast.
‘Everything for a superb night at the theatre & then some’: KISS ME, KATE – West End ★★★★★
An impeccable five-star production from Opera North in association with Welsh National Opera. Do not be put off by the word opera this is West End musical theatre at its very, very best.
‘Opera North has a triumph on its hands’: KISS ME, KATE – West End ★★★★
Kiss Me, Kate is full of moments, that remind you of the magic of Cole Porter’s timeless music when performed by a truly remarkable cast and orchestra. Opera North has a triumph on its hands, which will enthral audiences lucky enough to see this classy production.
NEWS: Richard Hawley, Dan Gillespie Sells & Kiss Me Kate feature in new Sheffield season
Sheffield Theatres’ new season includes Standing at the Sky’s Edge by Michael Wynne, with music and lyrics by Richard Hawley; A Midsummer Night’s Dream directed by Robert Hastie with music by Dan Gillespie Sells; and this year’s Christmas musical Kiss Me, Kate.
Diary of a Theatre Addict: Starring with a cast of 500 Supporting Actors, and Two Trips to Yorkshire (with a day in London inbetween)
You Me Bum Bum Train isn’t exactly a train journey, but it provided the ride of my life; I also made two separate train journeys to Yorkshire that provided musical and comic diversions of their own.
KISS ME, KATE – Touring
Leeds Grand Theatre, Leeds
***
Music and lyrics by Cole Porter
Book by Bella and Samuel Spewack
Directed by Jo Davies
Quirjin De Lang, Jeni Bern and Company
Opera North, a leading UK arts organisation whose key focus and goal is to ‘actively challenge conventional perceptions of opera’ (as stated in the programme), return to Leeds Grand this Autumn to present their latest season of work, with this new production of Kiss Me, Kate being the first in a diverse line-up.
Kiss Me, Kate tells the story of Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, two actors whose tempestuous love lives take centre stage as they perform in a new musical version of The Taming of the Shrew in 1940s Baltimore. Almost fabricated as a play within a play, Kiss Me, Kate takes a different tack to the musical theatre norm and allows the audience to see both the on stage and off stage dramatics and hysteria of the story’s main arc.
Quirijn De Lang and Jeni Bern, the key protagonists, shine in their roles offering the audience a true abundance of wit, charm and delight as they work with an overly complex plot that takes an hour and a half to actually get to the point. Whilst there are some great comedic interludes from Joseph Shovelton and John Savournin as Gunman 1 and Gunman 2, Kiss Me, Kate struggles to sell itself as a piece of high class musical theatre.
With a running time of almost 3 hours, Kiss Me, Kate fails to pack the punch required for such a long piece of theatre, with scenes drawn out for much longer than required. At least half an hour could be trimmed and still allow a piece that could be easily grasped without becoming boring due to a lack of tension, suspense or characters one can truly care for.
Tiffany Graves and Ashley Day feel a tad miscast as the secondary characters Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun – there’s a surprising lack of chemistry between the two and apart from a wonderful, albeit small, comedic moment in Tom, Dick or Harry. Katie Kerr as Hattie seems underused with an absolutely divine voice that opens up the first act in Another Op’nin, Another Show, whilst Claire Pascoe as the Stage Manager is another ensemble member who stands out, grabbing our attention as soon as she walks on stage.
The main saving grace of this production is its music. Superbly conducted by David Charles Abell, Kiss Me, Kate harks back to Musical Theatre’s golden era. The best moments are the ensemble numbers particularly Too Darn Hot the second act opener.
The lighting and set designs for this production are ambitious considering the size of the theatre but Ben Cracknell and Colin Richmond do a remarkable job, providing stunning backdrops that draw the audience in and help sell a flawed story.
Kiss Me, Kate’s lack of purpose and confusing storyline will possibly leave many feeling a little cold and put out. For those Shakespeare aficionados however who fancy seeing something a bit different and unconventional, then it may well prove the perfect night out.
Runs until 31 October and then toursGuest reviewer: Megan Kinsey