TheatreWorks New Milford's Production Of 'Kiss Me Kate' Opens On Friday 09/25

Cole Porter's Tony Award-Winning musical, 'Kiss Me, Kate', opens Friday at TheatreWorks New Milford in Connecticut.

'Kiss Me, Kate' is based on William Shakespeare's 'The Taming of the Shrew' and centers on big-time actors Lilli Vanessi (Priscilla Squiers) and Fred Graham (Tom Sheehan). The formerly-married, constantly battling couple is now forced to reunite for a new musical version of "Shrew." Their onstage tussles as Shakespeare's Katherine and Petruchio are nothing compared to their offstage affairs, backstage brawls, and hilarious misunderstandings. As time goes by the couple realizes, much like the characters in the original play, that they are hopelessly bound to each other.

Rounding out the cast are: Trisha Carr, Mark Feltch, Steve Michelsson, Matthew Farina, Ron Dukenski, Billy Hicks, Jonathan Ross, Tom Denihan, Kim Sanders, Janina Reiner, Janice Gabriel, Brad Kimmelman, Jeff Porper, and Shannon- Courtney Porper.

"The show is arguably one of the most beloved backstage musicals of all time," said director and choreographer Bradford Blake of New Milford. "It's easy to see why the show has endured for over 60 years: William Shakespeare penned the basis for the story, the score was composed by the immortal Cole Porter and, in our case, we have a crackerjack cast of talented musical performers. Not to mention, we have the impeccable production design team that TheatreWorks New Milford always brings to the table."

'Kiss Me, Kate' is under the musical direction of Arnie Gross of Southbury who conducted the original Broadway company of ANNIE from 1978 through 1983.

The crew includes technical director Scott Wyshynski of Washington, set designer Glenn R. Couture of Ansonia, costume mistress Renee C. Purdy of Watertown, and stage management by Alexis Ortiz of New Milford.

September 25th - October 24th
Fridays & Saturdays 8:00 PM?Sundays 2:00 PM
$28.00 Reserved Seating October 3rd - Sold Out!
Sunday Brunch & Show Benefit, October 18th - Tickets $40

'Kiss Me, Kate' originally premiered on Broadway at The New Century Theatre on December 30, 1948 and went on to win five Tony Awards, including Best Music & Lyrics for Cole Porter, Best Book for Sam & Bella Spewack, and Best Musical. The New York Times called the show a “thoroughly enjoyable musical comedy.”

For more information, please visit http://theatreworks.us/index.php