AU's Department of Performing Arts will bring the rhythms of life, laughter and love to the stage this week, in a most suitable fashion for a spring production, with the Cole Porter musical "Kiss Me, Kate."
Directed and choreographed by AU professor of theatre Karl Kippola, "Kiss Me, Kate" presents hot musical numbers, flashy chorus girls, gangsters and tender romantic moments quintessential to its 1948 Baltimore setting. The story, a play within a play, follows the on-and-off stage relationship of a divorced couple, Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, as they star together in Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew."
"The parallel relationship in the play engages the audience because they can recognize 'Taming of the Shrew' and connect better to the relationship [between Fred and Lilli]," Kippola said.
"Kiss Me, Kate" is a musical that can humanize Shakespeare best, not only because it is easy for the audience to follow in its story presentation, but also because it is fun. One such example that combines these elements is the memorable musical number "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" that, as Kippola put it, "tears down the elevated level of Shakespeare."
The live orchestrated musical numbers in "Kiss Me, Kate" may indeed convey the meaningful messages that Shakespeare knows best, but they also add a more contemporary flair with which the "Golden Era" resonates.
Freshman Jacqueline Caruso, who plays Lilli, agreed.
"It is fun for the audience because of the music and the 1940s appeal," she said, and it is equipped with "happy and feel good choreography," added sophomore cast member Catherine Baggs.
Kippola explained that as a story with a message, "Kiss Me, Kate" is a traditional tale about love more than anything, since in essence it is strongly based on the Shakespeare idea in "The Taming of the Shrew." And although the snide comments and fiery contempt that Fred and Lilli express to each other run rampant offstage, there is a sincere emotional core.
"It is really about two people who are meant to be with each other, although they fight against this destiny" said junior Michael Sazonov, who plays Fred.
"Kiss Me, Kate" has something for everyone, whether it is Shakespeare, music, dance, romance, laughter or quarrel. In this way, it is sure to attract any type of audience member, as well as leave each one leaving with perhaps a different feeling, question, tune or realization.
"Kiss Me, Kate"
Harold and Sylvia Greenberg Theatre 4200 Wisconsin Ave. NW March 24 to 27 All shows at 8 p.m. $8 students and senior citizens $15 general Tickets available at american.tix.com or the theater box office weekdays from 3 to 6 p.m. Call x2587 for more information.
