Kiss Me Kate
Curtain Rises Tonight, As Do Tempers

By Olivia Farrow (December 1, 2005)

Why are there trails of terra cotta paint outside the stage doors? Is there any reason why Andy Parker is walking around with poofy pants and a goofy hat, or does he just like the fabric? Did Katie Gordon’s hair miraculously grow two feet overnight?

The answers to these questions are found in the fact that tonight is the opening night of the theatre department’s production of Kiss Me Kate, a musical that has a bit of everything. From Shakespeare to beatings to spankings, this should entertain anyone who has ears for hearing the glorious words of history’s greatest playwright and the songs of Cole Porter, the eyes for watching Andy Parker hit on girls in knee boots, and the behind for…never mind.

The play, which is set in 1940’s Baltimore, Maryland, is about a play director, Fred Graham (played by senior Andy Parker) who casts himself as the lead in his production of The Taming of the Shrew, the Shakespearian story about a ladies man trying to appreciate a very turbulent shrew, Katherine, for money. The actress playing the shrew, Lilli, (played by senior Katie Gordon) was formerly married to Fred, but fell on rough times and got divorced.

Tempers fly as the two quarrelers must endure each other during rehearsal and discover that they may still have amorous emotions for each other. Gangsters hungry for money patrol the stage house because of a seedy gambler, Bill Calhoun, (sophomore Adam Gantz). Things get even more complicated when Fred’s present lady friend, Lois, (played by senior Hendrika McManus) enacts the good-natured sister of Katherine, Bianca, in the production. Awkward!

The costumes, nearly 40 Renaissance outfits and 30 Forties pieces designed and created by Ms. Ann Burkey and Ms. Janice Nette, look great, the sets of Italy and Baltimore look ravishing, the songs (such as “Why Can’t You Behave?”) sound perfect, and director Mrs. Ricker-Spicer as well as the cast and crew have endured many a sleepless night getting this show on the road. So why not come? The curtain rises tonight at 7:30, and continues Friday and Saturday. Tickets for students are $5, adults $7.