April
02
5 Things to Know About the Return of “Kiss Me, Kate” to London’s Barbican Theatre
1. Star-Studded Cast and Creative Powerhouse: “Kiss Me, Kate,” Cole Porter’s greatest musical comedy, is set to dazzle London audiences this summer at the Barbican Theatre. The production boasts a stellar cast, including the multi-award-winning Adrian Dunbar making his musical theatre debut as Fred Graham / Petruchio and Tony Award winner Stephanie J. Block making her West End debut as Lilli Vanessi / Katharine. Directed by Tony Award winner Bartlett Sher, this production promises to be a memorable rendition of the classic.
2. A Limited Engagement: Mark your calendars! This highly anticipated production runs from 4 June to 14 September 2024, with tickets already on sale. Given the strictly limited engagement, audiences are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out on what is set to be one of the summer’s hottest tickets.
3. Cole Porter’s Musical Genius: “Kiss Me, Kate” is a masterpiece that weaves together Cole Porter’s unforgettable music and lyrics with the original book by Bella & Samuel Spewack. Expect a symphony of wit, charm, and musical brilliance, featuring classics such as ‘Another Op’nin’, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’.
4. A Show Within a Show: This musical comedy farce is not just a performance; it’s an experience. It takes audiences behind the scenes of a theatre company’s production of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’, combining backstage chaos, romantic entanglements, and a battle of the sexes, all wrapped in Cole Porter’s razor-sharp wit.
5. An All-Star Creative Team: The production is brought to life by a renowned creative team, including choreographer Anthony Van Laast, costume designer Catherine Zuber, and set designer Michael Yeargan. This powerhouse team, along with the cast, has collectively earned an impressive 20 Tony Awards, promising a spectacular production that will bring joy and laughter to the Barbican this summer.
This revival of “Kiss Me, Kate” at the Barbican Theatre is not just another opening, another show; it’s a once-in-a-lifetime theatrical event that celebrates the brilliance of Cole Porter, the talent of a remarkable cast and creative team, and the enduring appeal of musical theatre.