THE HANGOVER REPORT – Roundabout’s smashing, recalibrated KISS ME, KATE! puts the emphasis on real love

Kelli O'Hara leads Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me, Kate!" at Studio 54. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Kelli O’Hara leads Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me, Kate!” at Studio 54. Photo by Joan Marcus.

Last night, Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of Cole Porter’s classic musical Kiss Me, Kate! opened on Broadway at Studio 54. The musical was last seen on Broadway in 2000 starring the regal, sterling-voiced pairing of Brian Stokes Mitchell and the late, great Marin Mazzie (gone from us way too soon) in a sturdy, rock solid production by Michael Blakemore. Long story short — nearly two decades onward — I’m happy to report that Scott Ellis’s 2019 edition is smashing.

The slight but important tweaks to Bella Spewack’s book and Mr. Porter’s lyrics have gone a long way in updating the material. Finally, the show’s famous battle of the sexes registers as a fair fight that’s also true to life. Mr. Ellis, Roundabout’s longtime go-to director for musical revivals, has tastefully re-focused the musical from a dated, ribald comedy (to be fair, the 1948 musical is loosely based on that most problematic of Shakespare comedies, The Taming of the Shrew) to a serious musical about love and sensuality. As a result, Kiss Me, Kate! has never been sexier and more affecting. Warren Carlyle’s exuberant and unexpectedly steamy choreographed provides a robust counterpoint to Mr. Ellis’s gentler view of the show, which makes for a beautifully balanced and well-rounded evening at the theater.

Mr. Ellis’s vision is carried out sensationally by his top-tier cast. On paper, Broadway darling Kelli O’Hara may not be the ideal fit for the comically-inclined role of Lilli Vanessi. I shouldn’t have worried, however – the Tony-winner gamely and endearingly takes on the physical comedy like a true pro. In Mr. Ellis’s sensitively recalibrated production, it’s important to note that Lilli’s thoughtful navigation of the mysteries of love becomes the show’s central pursuit. And as we all know, Ms. O’Hara is a master at these types of romantic ruminations. Oh, and she’s absolutely never sounded better (her sterling rendition of “So in Love” may very well prove definitive). As Ms. O’Hara’s counterpart, the dependable Will Chase is virile yet somehow more vulnerable than other Fred Graham’s I’ve seen. And as the youthful, secondary pair of lovers, the winning, hugely entertaining (and attractive) duo of Corbin Bleu and Stephanie Styles (in scene-stealing young Bernadette Peters mode) take to their juicy roles with a charged sexual energy that lights up stage.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

 

KISS ME, KATE!
Broadway, Musical
Roundabout Theatre Company at Studio 54 Theatre
2 hours, 30 minutes (with one intermission)
Through June 2

Categories: Broadway, Theater

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