Kiss Me, Kate

Musical

Writers: Samuel Spewack Bella Spewack Cole Porter

Overview

Show Information

Music
Lyrics
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
Tony Award®
Best Musical 1949
First Produced
1948
Genres
Comedy, Romance
Settings
Multiple Settings
Time & Place
america, 1949
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Heavy
Ideal for
College/University, Community Theatre, High School, Large Cast, Star Vehicle Female, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes
Mostly male cast
Includes adult, mature adult, young adult characters

Synopsis

Egotistical leading man, director, and producer Fred Graham is reunited with his ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, when the two are forced to play opposite one another in a new production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. The battle of the sexes continues onstage and off, as it becomes clear that, as much as this couple profess to hate each other, they are also still in love. Alongside their bickering liaison, the show’s supporting actress, Lois Lane, supports her gambling boyfriend, Bill, as he attempts to evade the the clutches of local gangsters. Throw in a number of cases of mistaken identity, the mob, and comedic routines into the mix and you get Kiss Me, Kate -- a dazzling Broadway classic that earned the very first Tony award for Best Musical.

Lead Characters


Kiss Me, Kate guide sections