Kiss Me Kate

Another opening of another show by this talented group.  Cole Porter`s 1948 classic is beginning to show its age, but this production had a few gender adaptations to help update it`s appeal, and there were many good performances in this musical of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew”.

Anna McAuley as Lilli/Kate was outstanding in the role and delivered a sparkling top-drawer role.  Vocally excellent, acting first class, a perfect feisty shrew.  She was matched by an equally powerful performance from Gavin Owen as Fred/Petruchio.  A dominant characterisation, a big voice and powerful presence.  Both he and Anna handled the Bards lines with impressive ease.  I loved the songs “I Hate Men” and “Where Is The Life That Late I Led”.

Josie Coleman played the man trap Lois/Bianca with relish, and her “Tom, Dick or Harry” was well received.  Robert McAuley was in fine voice as Bill/Lucentio.  Dan Bates was excellent as Lilli`s prospective husband, the barnstorming, bully General Howell.

Louise McGowan and Amy Clover played the Gangsters, a departure from the usual, and were on top form with their “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”.  Arden-Caspar Jennison gave a strong rendition of “Too Darned Hot”, and Emma Collins was a likeable Hattie, with the rousing “Another Opening, Another Show”.

There was worthy chorus support, and choreographer Rachel Murray made good use of the stage in the very long dance sequences that made up the production.

It was good to see a most proficient nine-piece orchestra under the baton of Giles Pettit.

In the background, lighting design was by David Price, sound by Sam Lenord, and the minimal rostrums that created an effective set were by Roydon Charlesworth.

Praise goes to Kathryn McAuley for the excellent direction.  The cast made the most of the musical, with great songs and enthusiastic performances, what is not to like?

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