KISS ME, KATE, Featuring Wayne Brady, Enters Final Week of Performances in Pasadena

KISS ME, KATE starring multi Emmy-Award Winning Wayne Brady ("Let's Make a Deal," "Whose Line Is It Anyway?") as Fred/Petruchio, is in its final week, presented by The Pasadena Playhouse (Artistic Director Sheldon Epps and Executive Director Elizabeth Doran) and closes October 12. The production also stars Merle Dandridge (Broadway's Spamalot and Tarzan) as Lilli/Kate and is directed by Sheldon Epps.

KISS ME, KATE represents the iconic composer-lyricist Cole Porter at his very best and includes some of musical theatre's most famous songs: "So in Love," "Another Op'nin' Another Show," "Too Darn Hot," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare." It is without a doubt one of the great classics of the American musical theatre, celebrating Shakespeare (it describes a musical production of The Taming of the Shrew) and the joys, madness, and the rewards of working in the theatre - both onstage and off. The book is by Bella and Samuel Spewack.

The Pasadena Playhouse production views the work through a new lens, using the wonderful material of this celebrated production to showcase the trailblazing African-American actors and entertainers of the early 20th century.

Joining Brady and Dandridge are KISS ME, KATE principal cast members: Joanna A. Jones as Lois/Bianca, Terrance Spencer as Bill/Lucentio, Jenelle Lynn Randall as Hattie, Rogelio Douglas, Jr. as Paul, David Kirk Grant as Thug #1, Brad Blaisdell as Thug #2, and Pat Towne as General Howell.

The ensemble features Eric B. Anthony, Jay Donnell, Kimberly Moore, Shamicka Benn-Moser, Theresa Murray, Saudia Rashed, Carlton Wilborn, and Armando Yearwood, Jr.

The creative team for KISS ME, KATE also includes: Jeffrey Polk as choreographer, Rahn Coleman as music director, John Iacovelli as scenic designer, David K. Mickelsen as costume designer, Jared A. Sayeg as lighting designer, Jon Gottlieb as sound designer, Michael Donovan, CSA as casting director, and Lurie Horns Pfeffer as production stage manager.

KISS ME, KATE will play through October 12. The Pasadena Playhouse is located at 39 South El Molino Avenue, Pasadena, CA 91101. The performance schedule is Tuesday through Friday at 8:00 p.m.; Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets, priced from $40 to $145, are available online at PasadenaPlayhouse.org; by calling The Pasadena Playhouse at 626-356-7529; or visiting The Pasadena Playhouse Box Office, Tuesday - Sunday from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. during non-performance dates. On performance dates the Box Office is open Tuesday - Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit PasadenaPlayhouse.org.

Pictured: Wayne Brady and Merle Dandridge. Photo by Earl Gibson III.