Thursday, March 6, 2014

theatre review KISS ME, KATE, Arizona Broadway Theatre, February 28

Bob Downing, Renee Kathleen Koher, Marc de la Concha,
David Simmons and David Sattler
To read my complete Talkin' Broadway review of Kiss Me, Kate running at the Arizona Broadway Theatre through March 23rd, just click on this link.

"Kiss Me, Kate is considered a classic musical. With an infectious Cole Porter score and a fun and witty, though somewhat overblown, book by Sam and Bella Spewack, it humorously weaves together the story of two egotistical and recently divorced actors who are still madly in love but just can't stand to be around each other. The Arizona Broadway Theatre production, which runs through March 23rd, is a well-staged production of this fun backstage story, with impressive leads, sizzling choreography and superb creative elements.

While Kiss Me, Kate is a crowd-pleaser, the ending is a bit abrupt and a few of the Shrew scenes go on a bit too long for my liking. However, Porter's music is sublime and his lyrics, sometimes comically satirical, other times romantically lush, are superb, so there is still much to enjoy. Other than a few very small missteps, the ABT production is dynamic with a high caliber cast, top notch creative elements and some technically savvy direction and choreography.  Kiss Me, Kate runs through March 23, 2014, at the Arizona Broadway Theatre, 7701 West Paradise Lane, Peoria. Tickets can be ordered at azbroadway.org or by calling (623) 776 - 8400

Photo: Mike Benedetto

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