This classic show has opened at the Maddermarket Theatre Norfolk: ready to give audiences a fantastic performance!
Kiss Me, Kate is a 1948 musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Bella and Samuel Spewack. The show has become a much loved musical, being performed regularly since its initial run. Kiss Me, Kate involves the creation of a musical adaptation of ‘The Taming of the Shrew’. Though when conflicts arise on and off stage between Fred Graham (the director) and the star actress Lilli Vanessi, as well as developing love between Lois Lane and Bill: the audiences are in for one action packed show! The East Norfolk Operatic Society has taken on this beloved show, a strong talented group of actors. Alongside this, the Maddermarket theatre works incredibly well for this production: bringing the show to life!
This directing team consists Bernard Soper as musical director/co-stage director alongside Victoria Jacobs as choreographer/co-stage director. The teamwork is on full display with this production, with a phenomenal set, costumes and direction. The live band is a brilliant addition to the piece and is well orchestrated by Soper. The set is well utilised, using a range of panels to flip between back stage and the stage production. The window added additional layers which really helped different scenes. Costuming is well suited to the piece and the lighting is very effective.
The ensemble has a lot of opportunities to shine during Kiss Me, Kate and certainly made the most of it during this production. Their energy during ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’ and ‘Too Darn Hot’ was phenomenal and the choreography by Jacobs has been performed outstandingly. Other side characters within the show also had their own moments to shine. Some particular stand out moments were William Hoban in ‘Too Darn Hot’ and Jasmine Catherine’s vocals during each song she was in both. Edmund Ramsdale and Becky Pick were a fantastic duo as the gangsters. Overall the entire cast seems to be having a blast on stage, sharing the joy of this wonderfully beloved story: whilst making it their own.
Andrew Inglis plays Bill Calhoun/Lucentio, Lois’s boyfriend who is in trouble for money problems. Inglis plays a sly Bill, perfect for the role. Whilst as Lucentio, Inglis is able to be bold and confident: a perfect characterisation of this role. Ellie Mole plays Lois Lane/Bianca, an upcoming actress. Mole is able to create the perfect voice for Lois, whilst keeping brilliant vocals especially during ‘Always True To You In My Fashion’. On the other side, Mole is able to lead ‘Tom, Dick and Harry’ as Bianca very well: being one of the funniest numbers during Act 1. Niccy Mills plays Lilli Vanessi/Kate, the ex wife of Fred who she is working with: leading to complicated feelings. Mills is a phenomenal Lilli, with a radiating voice during ‘So In Love’. As Kate, Mills is able to be comedic during ‘I Hate Men’ and was brilliant to watch. Jon Bennett plays Fred Graham/Petruchio, Lilli’s ex husband who ends up involved with gangsters. Bennett is an enthusiastic and optimistic lead, having great energy with the cast: especially Mills. His solo songs ‘Were Thine That Special Face’ and ‘Where Is The Life That Late I Led’ are impeccably sung, giving clear and compelling vocals. Mills and Bennett are perfect in their role and make this show outstanding!
Tickets for this production were complimentary. Thank you to the East Norfolk Operatic Society and best of luck with the rest of the run!
Kiss Me, Kate runs until Saturday. Book now so you don’t miss the production!
Max
Leave a Reply