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Kiss Me, KateOpening Date: Oct 30, 2001
Closing Date: Aug 24, 2002 Air date: Feb 26, 2003 Medium: TV Where to watch: Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Blu-Ray (as an affiliate, I may earn income from qualifying purchases made through these links), BroadwayHD (from Jan 15, 2023) |
This page contains affiliate links and I may earn income from qualifying purchases made through these links.
Stage Production Notes
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, Kiss Me, Kate is one of the defining musicals of the twentieth century. With music and lyrics by the immensely prolific composer Cole Porter, the show was the first musical to win a Tony Award for Best Musical. It’s well-known and widely performed songs include “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “I Hate Men,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Why Can’t You Behave?”.
Kiss Me, Kate first opened on Broadway on December 30, 1948, at the New Century Theatre starring Alfred Drake, Patricia Morrison, Lisa Kirk, and Harold Lang under the direction of Pembroke Davenport.
New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson described the show as a “thoroughly enjoyable musical comedy,” and stated that Cole Porter had written “his best score in years.”
At 1,077 performances, Kiss Me, Kate became Cole Porter’s longest running Broadway musical, and one of his most celebrated.
Kiss Me, Kate opened on the West End on March 8, 1951, at the Coliseum where it also enjoyed high critical praise.
The first North American National tour opened at the Broadway Theatre in 1952.
MGM released a movie version starring Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, and Ann Miller in 1953.
The musical has received two made-for-television specials. The first was aired in 1958 on NBC’s Hall of Fame, and starred members of the original Broadway cast. The second aired in 1968 on ABC’s Armstrong Circle Theatre featuring Robert Goulet and Carol Lawrence.
Kiss Me, Kate received its second Broadway revival in 1999, opening at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 18. Directed by Michael Blakemore, the production starred Marin Mazzie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Amy Spanger and Michael Berresse. The book and score were revised to “take advantage of new technology in music and reflecting evolving social values.” The revised score included all the original songs, along with “From This Moment On,” which had appeared in the 1953 film.
The revival was nominated for multiple awards, including 12 Tony Awards. It went on to win 5 Tonys, including Best Actor in a Musical (Brian Stokes Mitchell), Best Costume Design (Martin Pakledinaz), Best Direction of a Musical (Michael Blakemore), Best Orchestrations (Don Sebesky) and Best Revival of a Musical.
New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley described the show as a “mouthwatering new revival” that was “ broad, brazen, often shameless and finally irresistible.”
Ticket sales suffered following 9/11, however the cast and crew took a voluntary 25% union-approved pay cut to ensure the show stayed open.
After 28 previews, and 881 regular performances, the second Broadway revival of Kiss Me, Kate closed on December 30, 2001.
The revival, along with its Broadway leads, transferred to London, where it began previews on the West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre on October 16, 2001. It officially opened on October 30, 2001.
The West End production received rave reviews. Writing for The Guardian, Michael Billington described the production as “an almost flawless revival,” and claimed it was one of the few musicals that provided “constant, time-suspending pleasure.” Charles Spencer, writing for The Telegraph stated the production was “a dazzling evening of inventive, infectious pleasure.”
The show was nominated for 8 Olivier Awards, though did not take home any awards. It did win the Evening Standard and Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical.
The West End production played 300 performances before closing on August 24, 2002.
On December 12, 2016, Roundabout Theatre Company presented a benefit performance of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54. The staged reading was directed by Scott Ellis, choreographed by Warren Carlyle, and featured Kelli O’Hara, Will Chase, Robert Fairchild, and Helené York.
The fully realized production opened at Studio 54 in March 14, 2019. It played for 125 performances before closing on June 30, 2019.
Critics have noted that the domestic violence portrayed in The Taming of the Shrew does not hold up well with modern audiences.
Since its first celebrated opening in 1948, Kiss Me, Kate has been widely performed in the UK and in the United States. The show is available for licensing through Tams-Witmark.
Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, Kiss Me, Kate is one of the defining musicals of the twentieth century. With music and lyrics by the immensely prolific composer Cole Porter, the show was the first musical to win a Tony Award for Best Musical. It’s well-known and widely performed songs include “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “I Hate Men,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “Why Can’t You Behave?”.
Kiss Me, Kate first opened on Broadway on December 30, 1948, at the New Century Theatre starring Alfred Drake, Patricia Morrison, Lisa Kirk, and Harold Lang under the direction of Pembroke Davenport.
New York Times theatre critic Brooks Atkinson described the show as a “thoroughly enjoyable musical comedy,” and stated that Cole Porter had written “his best score in years.”
At 1,077 performances, Kiss Me, Kate became Cole Porter’s longest running Broadway musical, and one of his most celebrated.
Kiss Me, Kate opened on the West End on March 8, 1951, at the Coliseum where it also enjoyed high critical praise.
The first North American National tour opened at the Broadway Theatre in 1952.
MGM released a movie version starring Kathryn Grayson, Howard Keel, and Ann Miller in 1953.
The musical has received two made-for-television specials. The first was aired in 1958 on NBC’s Hall of Fame, and starred members of the original Broadway cast. The second aired in 1968 on ABC’s Armstrong Circle Theatre featuring Robert Goulet and Carol Lawrence.
Kiss Me, Kate received its second Broadway revival in 1999, opening at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 18. Directed by Michael Blakemore, the production starred Marin Mazzie, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Amy Spanger and Michael Berresse. The book and score were revised to “take advantage of new technology in music and reflecting evolving social values.” The revised score included all the original songs, along with “From This Moment On,” which had appeared in the 1953 film.
The revival was nominated for multiple awards, including 12 Tony Awards. It went on to win 5 Tonys, including Best Actor in a Musical (Brian Stokes Mitchell), Best Costume Design (Martin Pakledinaz), Best Direction of a Musical (Michael Blakemore), Best Orchestrations (Don Sebesky) and Best Revival of a Musical.
New York Times theatre critic Ben Brantley described the show as a “mouthwatering new revival” that was “ broad, brazen, often shameless and finally irresistible.”
Ticket sales suffered following 9/11, however the cast and crew took a voluntary 25% union-approved pay cut to ensure the show stayed open.
After 28 previews, and 881 regular performances, the second Broadway revival of Kiss Me, Kate closed on December 30, 2001.
The revival, along with its Broadway leads, transferred to London, where it began previews on the West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre on October 16, 2001. It officially opened on October 30, 2001.
The West End production received rave reviews. Writing for The Guardian, Michael Billington described the production as “an almost flawless revival,” and claimed it was one of the few musicals that provided “constant, time-suspending pleasure.” Charles Spencer, writing for The Telegraph stated the production was “a dazzling evening of inventive, infectious pleasure.”
The show was nominated for 8 Olivier Awards, though did not take home any awards. It did win the Evening Standard and Critics Circle Awards for Best Musical.
The West End production played 300 performances before closing on August 24, 2002.
On December 12, 2016, Roundabout Theatre Company presented a benefit performance of Kiss Me, Kate at Studio 54. The staged reading was directed by Scott Ellis, choreographed by Warren Carlyle, and featured Kelli O’Hara, Will Chase, Robert Fairchild, and Helené York.
The fully realized production opened at Studio 54 in March 14, 2019. It played for 125 performances before closing on June 30, 2019.
Critics have noted that the domestic violence portrayed in The Taming of the Shrew does not hold up well with modern audiences.
Since its first celebrated opening in 1948, Kiss Me, Kate has been widely performed in the UK and in the United States. The show is available for licensing through Tams-Witmark.
Filmed Production Notes
The London revival was filmed during the show’s final week in August 2002. Five performances were filmed, and close-ups were filmed separately.
PBS aired Kiss Me, Kate on Great Performances on February 26, 2003. It was re-aired on December 26, 2006.
Kiss Me, Kate was released on DVD by Image Entertainment in 2003, and on Blu-ray by Shout Factory in 2017.
Kiss Me, Kate is available to view on Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Blu-Ray (as an affiliate, I may earn income from qualifying purchases made through these links). From January 15, 2023, the musical will also be available worldwide on BroadwayHD.
The London revival was filmed during the show’s final week in August 2002. Five performances were filmed, and close-ups were filmed separately.
PBS aired Kiss Me, Kate on Great Performances on February 26, 2003. It was re-aired on December 26, 2006.
Kiss Me, Kate was released on DVD by Image Entertainment in 2003, and on Blu-ray by Shout Factory in 2017.
Kiss Me, Kate is available to view on Apple TV, Amazon, DVD, Blu-Ray (as an affiliate, I may earn income from qualifying purchases made through these links). From January 15, 2023, the musical will also be available worldwide on BroadwayHD.
Kiss Me, Kate PRODUCTION CREDITS
Theatre: Victoria Palace Theatre, London
Producer: Helen Asquith, Jac Venza, David Horn, Margaret Smilow, Nobuo Isobe, Roger Berlind, Roger Horchow, Nica Burns
Book: Sam Spewack and Bella Spewack
Music and Lyrics: Cole Porter
Director: Michael Blakemore, Chris Hunt
Musical Director: Gareth Valentine
Orchestrations: Don Sebesky
Dance arrangements and incidental music: David Chase
Musical Supervision: Paul Gemignani
Choreography: Kathleen Marshall
Scenic Design: Robin Wagner
Costume Design: Martin Pakledinaz
Lighting Design: Peter Kaczorowski
Sound Design: Tony Meola
Conductor: Paul Maguire
Cast:
Rachel York (Lilli Vanessi/Katharine), Brent Barrett (Fred Graham/Petruchio), Nancy Anderson (Lois Lane/Bianca), Michael Berresse (Bill Calhoun/Lucentio), Nicolas Colicos (Harrison Howell), Kaye E. Brown (Hattie), Nolan Frederick (Paul), Colin Farrell (Harry Trevor), Alan Vicary (Ralph/Stage Manager), Christopher Stewart (Dance Captain), Duncan Smith (Props/Stage Doorman), Andrew Spillett (Cab Driver/Nathaniel), Jack Chissick (Second Man), Nick Winston (Gremio - First Suitor), Barry McNeill (Hortensio - Second Suitor), Christopher Stewart (Gregory), Philip Sutton (Philip), Richard Sidaway (Haberdasher), Ensemble: Vikki Coote, Louise Dearman, Catherine Digges, Rebecca Giacopazzi, Christian Gibson, Lizzie Leigh, Jo Napthine, Kimmi Richards, Sarah Soetaert, Annette Yeo
Theatre: Victoria Palace Theatre, London
Producer: Helen Asquith, Jac Venza, David Horn, Margaret Smilow, Nobuo Isobe, Roger Berlind, Roger Horchow, Nica Burns
Book: Sam Spewack and Bella Spewack
Music and Lyrics: Cole Porter
Director: Michael Blakemore, Chris Hunt
Musical Director: Gareth Valentine
Orchestrations: Don Sebesky
Dance arrangements and incidental music: David Chase
Musical Supervision: Paul Gemignani
Choreography: Kathleen Marshall
Scenic Design: Robin Wagner
Costume Design: Martin Pakledinaz
Lighting Design: Peter Kaczorowski
Sound Design: Tony Meola
Conductor: Paul Maguire
Cast:
Rachel York (Lilli Vanessi/Katharine), Brent Barrett (Fred Graham/Petruchio), Nancy Anderson (Lois Lane/Bianca), Michael Berresse (Bill Calhoun/Lucentio), Nicolas Colicos (Harrison Howell), Kaye E. Brown (Hattie), Nolan Frederick (Paul), Colin Farrell (Harry Trevor), Alan Vicary (Ralph/Stage Manager), Christopher Stewart (Dance Captain), Duncan Smith (Props/Stage Doorman), Andrew Spillett (Cab Driver/Nathaniel), Jack Chissick (Second Man), Nick Winston (Gremio - First Suitor), Barry McNeill (Hortensio - Second Suitor), Christopher Stewart (Gregory), Philip Sutton (Philip), Richard Sidaway (Haberdasher), Ensemble: Vikki Coote, Louise Dearman, Catherine Digges, Rebecca Giacopazzi, Christian Gibson, Lizzie Leigh, Jo Napthine, Kimmi Richards, Sarah Soetaert, Annette Yeo
Sources
Books
Articles
Websites
- Dan Dietz, The Complete Book of 1940s Broadway Musicals, Rowman & Littlefield, (2015)
Articles
- Brooks Atkinson, “At the Theatre,” New York Times (Dec 31, 1948)
- Ben Brantley, “A Spirit Still True (in Its Fashion),” New York Times (Nov 19, 1999)
- Ben Brantley, “For 'Kate,' There's No Letting Up,” New York Times (Sept 28, 2001)
- Michael Buckley, “STAGE TO SCREENS: "Kiss Me, Kate" Producer Jac Venza & Star Brent Barrett,” Playbill (Jan 19, 2003)
- Michael Billington, “Kiss Me Kate,” The Guardian (Oct 31, 2001)
- Andrew Gans, “PBS Rebroadcasts Kiss Me, Kate — with York and Barrett — Dec. 26,” Playbill (Dec 26, 2006)
- James Inverne, “Another Op’nin For London’s Kiss Me Kate—on DVD,” Playbill (Dec 1, 2003)
- Chloe Rabinowitz, "KISS ME, KATE 1999 Revival to Stream on BroadwayHD This Month," BroadwayWorld (Jan 5, 2023)
- Robert Simonson, “"Kiss Me, Kate" to Air on PBS Feb. 26,” Playbill (Feb 26, 2003)
- Charles Spencer, “A kiss of life for the West End Theatre Kiss Me, Kate VICTORIA PALACE THEATRE,” The Telegraph (Nov 1, 2001)
- Matt Wolf, “Review: ‘Kiss Me, Kate’,” Variety (Nov 11, 2001)
Websites
- Great Performances, “Kiss Me, Kate: Production Credits,” Accessed via: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/kiss-me-kate-production-credits/127/
- Playbill, “Kiss Me, Kate,” Accessed via: http://www.playbill.com/production/kiss-me-kate-martin-beck-theatre-vault-0000008209
- Tams-Witmark, “Kiss Me, Kate (Revised 1999),” Accessed via: http://www.tamswitmark.com/shows/kiss-me-kate-1999/
- UK Theatre Web, “Kiss Me, Kate,” Accessed via: http://www.uktw.co.uk/archive/musical/kiss-me-kate/L01089131958/
Written by Luisa Lyons (May, 2017; updated July 2018; July 2020; Jan 2023)