Kiss Me Kate

‘Kiss Me Kate’ is an older classic musical firmly established as a must see show by lovers of the genre of musical theatre. The show with its wonderful Cole Porter score is not performed as often as is deserved, so when it is performed, the connoisseurs of traditional musical theatre will flock to see it. But clubs and societies need more than ‘theatre and society luvvies’ in the seats. It is a relatively unknown show to a younger and 2018’s theatre going audience who often prefer more modern and ‘edgy’ shows, but they don’t realise what they are missing! So thank you Weston OS for giving so much pleasure to this Noda Rep!

This was a fine production, filled with glorious music, innovative dance routines and an abundance of talent. All the elements required to make a spectacular production came together perfectly, presenting a compelling, amusing and eminently watchable show.

The large wonderful orchestra cleverly positioned at the back of the stage and visible throughout the production, offered a glorious background of sound and expertise to accompany the well known singing, it was beautifully managed by the experienced virtuoso MD John W Johnson.

Having the orchestra on stage cut down the playing space, but with a relatively small company, it was a clever move. The smaller space was utilized well, never appearing empty or crowded and with plenty of room for the clever dance routines. Skilled choreographer Emma Duffil cleverly created new and exciting choreography to match the limitations of the talented dancers. It was delight to watch, very well done Emma.

This was a relatively new adaptation of the original ‘Kiss Me Kate’ with orchestration and book given a modern makeover. The talented and experienced director Ian Doswell utilized every trick in his repertoire to give added interest, comedy and excitement. This company positively buzzed. Congratulations Mr D!

The costumes, the scenery, the makeup, the props (sounds like a song from another show) were all spot on. The lighting was interesting, adventurous and very good and the sound was perfect.

The casting was a directorial dream team. Dylan Cheasley and Maureen Wycherley as Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, both with exceptional acting skills and beautiful voices, were a perfect match for each other and they led a talented team and were ably supported by  talented Jodie Gibson and Richard Smith expertly playing Lois Lane and Bill Calhoun. Add the experience of other talented principals Hattie, Baptista, Gremio and Hortensio and other very good supporting cameo roles and then the whole company; it literally was ‘the dream team’!

Were a couple of solos overlong ... yes, but it was as they were written and with very clever lyrics. Did ‘Another Opening, Another Show’ and ‘Too Darn Hot’ seem lengthy, again yes, but so cleverly and interestingly choreographed and danced, they were forgiven. After the unusual walk down, Friday’s audience couldn’t decide whether to applaud the first or second entrances of the cast and the mega mix, brilliantly played by the orchestra took a little attention away from the well deserved ovation for the cast. But I have to admit, the orchestra was stand alone brilliant!

But these are just minor personal observations. This whole show was quite exceptional, amazingly slick, funny, beautifully musical and above all extremely entertaining. Very well done Weston, I loved it!

 

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