Passions run high as leading lady Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband, actor, director, producer Fred Graham, battle onstage and off in “Kiss Me Kate”, Cole Porter’s beloved musical adaptation of Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew.
Performances run Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from July 26 - August 11 at the Pennsylvania Playhouse located at 390 Illick’s Mill Road, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Performances begin at 7:30PM on Friday and Saturday evenings, and 6:00PM on Sunday evenings.
With romance, comedy, sophistication, and behind-the-scenes hijinks, “Kiss Me Kate” combines the irreverent humor of four brilliant writers: Sam and Bella Spewack, Cole Porter, and William Shakespeare.
Memorable numbers of this winner of the first Tony for Best Musical include "So In Love," "Wunderbar," "Tom, Dick or Harry," "Too Darn Hot," "Brush Up Your Shakespeare," "I Hate Men," "Always True to You (In My Fashion)" and "Another Op'nin, Another Show."
The cast of Kiss Me, Kate! features Armand Reiser (Fred Graham), Alexis Smith (Lilli Vanessi), Michael Sheridan (Bill Calhoun), Deanna Mogianesi (Lois), Shaun Hayes (General Harrison Howell), Cameron Kunsman and Danny Carroll (Man 1 & Man 2).
They are supported by Cailin McDerrmott (Hattie), Joseph Mowad (Paul), Caleb Flannery (Ralph, Paul u/s), Johnny Bertone (Gremio), Evan Hegar (Hortensio, Bill Calhoun u/s, Swing), Andrew Galindez (Stage Doorman, Priest), Lauryn Littlejohn (Dance Captain, Gregory), Dan VanArsdale (Stagehand 1, Cab Driver, Nathaniel), Sydney Sniezek (Stagehand 2, Phillip), Gabrielle Bleice (Stagehand 3, Driver, Haberdasher), Olivia Bell (Wardrobe Lady, Hattie u/s), Nico Rodriguez (Inn Waitress), Lucy Moore (Lois u/s, Swing), Sarah Woodring (Banner Carrier 1), Ella St. Pierre (Banner Carrier 2), Rose Fortknap (Ensemble), Bethany Wentling (Lilli Vanessi u/s), Mitchell Hendricks (Fred Graham u/s).
London Griffith makes her directorial debut with this musical masterpiece. She is joined by Stage Manager Corinne Philbin, Assistant Stage Manager Stephen Simone, Musical Director Amanda Haag, Choreographer Julia DeMore, with Fight Choreography by James Dennis, Intimacy Choreography by Alessandra Fanelli,
Set and Lighting Design by Brett Oliveira, Costuming by Todd Burkel and Nate C. Khuns, as well as a live pit orchestra led and directed by Vincent Trovato.
The PA Playhouse and the team of “Kiss Me Kate” are happy to announce themed nights for the enjoyment of the audience during the run!:
Saturday, July 27, 2024 - Another Op’nin', Another Show: Love musical theater? Come dressed as your favorite musical theater character or actor and get your picture taken to share on social media with our ring light setup!
Sunday, August 4, 2024 - From the Moment On (Military Appreciation Night): If you are a current member of the military or a veteran, purchase your ticket at the box office with a $5 discount when presenting a military ID! (This discount is only available for this performance and only available in person at the box office.)
Saturday, August 10, 2024 - Brush Up Your Shakespeare: Want to test your wit and wisdom of the Bard? Director London Griffith will be hosting the first ever PA Playhouse Shakespeare Insult Competition. The first round will commence before the performance starting at 6:45PM in the theater. The second round will commence after the performance (to add cast participation!). Winners will be chosen based on audience applause. Better “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”! (Insult Generators will be provided for all who wish to participate.)