Grove City College’s Theatre Program will present the classic musical “Kiss Me, Kate” next month.
The show runs at 7 p.m. nightly Nov. 2 to 5 in Ketler Auditorium of the Pew Fine Arts Center on campus. The production is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. To reserve tickets, visit tinyurl.com/gcckmk. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door.
“Kiss Me, Kate,” a musical within a musical based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew,” features the music and lyrics of the legendary Cole Porter and story by Bella and Samuel Spewack. The production involves more than 70 students in the cast, backstage crew, tech and costume design, and pit orchestra.
Sophomores Katie Kenlein and Noah Godfrey play the lead roles, with junior Olivia Foster and senior Justin Folger are featured in key roles. Dr. Michael Coulter ’91, professor of political science, plays a cameo role. The musical is directed by Professor of English Betsy Craig ’77, director of the Theatre Program.
“Kiss Me, Kate” has secured its place as one of the most well-known and produced musicals in the world. Famous songs include: “Another Op’nin’ Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” “Too Darn Hot,” and “I Hate Men.”
“We love this golden age Cole Porter musical for its wonderful score, the 1940s and Shakespeare costumes, and the fun musical within a musical format,” Kenlein said. “The story ought not to be taken too seriously – none of these characters are glorified as heroes – but rather presented in a sparkling, satirical light.”