A fun filled revival of the musical, but starts to loose some of its energy in the second act.
Playing out as a love letter to the theatre this production of Kiss Me Kate, directed with great joy and class by Bartlett Sher has plenty to enjoy but it starts to lose some of its energy and impact in the second act as more focus is on the company’s production of The Taming of the Shrew.
For those unfamiliar with Kiss Me Kate, the story revolves around two central romances between producer, director and actor Fred Graham and his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi (a relationship that is fraught with tension and that between Lois and Bill. This further complicated by the fact that Lois is having an affair with Fred – all the while they are putting on a musical production of the Taming of the Shrew. In many ways life begins to imitate art as things become increasingly out of control, particularly with the involvement of two gangsters who believe that Fred owes them money (when it is really Bill who is an unsuccessful gambler).
Sam and Bella Spewack’s book is a real delightful screwball comedy, particularly when the antics off stage begin to impact the onstage performance. Sher really delights in ensuring that every last bit of comedy is brought out to great impact, particularly during the first act. It is just a shame that the energy levels seem a bit lower in the second act as the story is tied up nicely – it would have been nice to feel that the chaos and confusion could have lasted a bit longer to ensure that the ending has more of an impact.
This aside, Sher’s production handles every aspect of both the plot lines and musical numbers with great thought and precision, making for a very classy production. Choreography by Anthony Van Laast is a joy to behold – particularly for the joyous rendition of ‘Too Darn Hot’ that is captivating to witness and a great start to the second act. Credit should also be given to Michael Yeargan’s clever rotating set design that allows the action to move from backstage to onstage seamlessly, ensuring that show flows beautifully from one scene to the next.
There are some equally impressive performances to be found on stage – but for the most part the show belongs to Stephanie J. Block’s dynamic and immensely sharp performance as Lilli, balancing the roles of the Shrew and the ex-wife with great humour and frustration without feeling the need to go overboard emotionally. Vocally of course she is stunning to listen to – with her rendition of ‘So In Love’ being particularly profound, while her performance of ‘I Hate Men’ is delightfully feisty and powerful.
Adrian Dunbar as Fred might have been a slightly surprising casting choice – but he does manage to hold his own. His comic timing is exquisite and has a lovely chemistry with Block to make their relationship feel real. While his singing might not be the strongest (particularly when heard in contrast with Block’s) but it is endearing as their duet with her ‘Wunderbar’ proves.
It is a real shame that we don’t see as much of Charlie Stemp as Bill as it is a smaller role than we are used to seeing him playing – but as always he is captivating to watch when he is on stage, particularly seeing his relationship with Georgina Onouorah’s Lois develop. Onouorah really blossoms in this role and her vocals are a perfect match for Cole Porter’s charmingly elegant songs that move between jazz to more classical musical theatre with ease. A special mention should also be made to Hammed Animashaun and Nigel Lindsey as the gangsters who provide plenty of delightful laughs along the way.
Overall, this is a classy and charming production that will ensure that you leave the theatre with a smile on your face and re-enforced love of the theatre.
By Emma Clarendon
Kiss Me Kate will play at the Barbican until the 14th September. To book tickets visit: Love Theatre.com, London Box Office, and London Theatre Direct.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐