Revival doesn’t pack much heat
Theater: Tony-winning ‘Kiss Me, Kate’ is a well-acted but shallow musical
By DANIEL A. MILES
Staff Writer
With
the supply of fresh, innovative and entertaining new musicals having dried
up on Broadway in the last 10 or so years, it only makes sense to revive
some old favorites to keep the theater business in New York booming. "Kiss
Me, Kate," which won a 2000 Tony Award for best musical revival, would seem
to be a surefire hit. However, the current tour, which is playing at the
Shubert Theatre in Los Angeles, leaves much to be desired.
After debuting
on Broadway in 1948, the show became the first musical ever to win a Tony.
With music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the story basically plays out as a
show within a show. A group of actors are putting on a musical version of
William Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew." However, as with most theater
companies, more drama is brewing behind the stage than on it.
Producer,
director and lead actor Fred Graham (Rex Smith) feuds with his ex-wife and
lead actress Lilli Vanessi (Rachel York). Both try to hide their true
feelings for each other. For added conflict, the two are actually playing
opposite each other in the show as Petruchio and Katherina, respectively.
After a mistaken delivery of a bunch of flowers to the wrong dressing room,
fireworks explode onstage during their production of Shakespeare's classic,
causing chaos. Switching between onstage and backstage, the rest of the
story follows the tangled relationship between the two actors and its
effects on the company and the show.
The simple plot
is unfortunately inhibited by other plot lines and unnecessary events.
However, some elements, when separated from the show, are very enjoyable,
and at some points these elements overshadow the actual story. This is
especially the case with the top of Act II, which begins with a gorgeous
dance number entitled "Too Darn Hot." The number is one of the few in which
the ensemble gets a chance to showcase its flawless skills and voice, along
with Kathleen Marshall's brilliant choreography. Unfortunately, it doesn't
have much of a place in the production.
York steals the
show with her portrayal of the feisty actress, Lilli, along with the
character's portrayal of Katherina in "Taming of the Shrew." York has an
amazing voice that soars in the Shubert's abundant space. She wins the
audience over with the deceptively simple "So in Love," and contrasts that
with Katherina singing "I Hate Men," showcasing her brilliant acting
talents and character work. Every time York takes the stage, she wows the
audience.
Smith does an
adequate job of keeping up with York. As the temperamental Fred, he shines
when interacting with the other cast members. Regrettably, he doesn't carry
that over to his portrayal of the overbearing Petruchio.
Nancy Anderson
and Jim Newman stand out from the ensemble as a young couple terribly in
love and trying to make it in the business. Anderson's hilarious character
and Newman's acrobatic talents are a riot.
The most
outstanding feature of "Kiss Me, Kate" is its remarkable costumes. It is no
wonder that the show won the Tony for best costume design. The intricate
details and luxurious colors make every wardrobe piece stand out.
Specifically, Lilli's costumes and hair designs are precise and complement
York's natural beauty. Other aspects of the production design (including
detailed sets by Robin Wagner) add much to the lackluster story.
u
"Kiss Me, Kate"
is playing at the Shubert Theatre, 2020 Avenue of the Stars, through Oct.
13. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Saturday and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $40-$70. For more
information, call (800) 447-7400 or visit www.kissmekateonbroadway.com.
Copyright 2001 by the Daily Trojan. All rights reserved.
This article was published in Vol. 144, No. 08 (Friday, September 7, 2001), beginning on page 16 and ending on page 14.