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Original source: Carousel Dinner Theatre in Akron, Ohio
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(Click on any cast picture to see it full-size.)
Akron,
OH -- "All
the World's a Stage" and a cast of vivacious characters spice it up in Cole
Porter's beloved KISS ME KATE, currently running
through August 31, 2003 at the Carousel Dinner Theat
Credited
for making Porter a household name, KISS ME, KATE is peppered with jazzy and
electrifying songs. The quintessential show tune, "Another Op'nin,
Another Show" opens with a bang, while "Too Darn Hot,"
"Wunderbar," "Always True To You In My Fashion"
and "Tom, Dick or Harry" have audiences tapping along to every
catchy beat. KISS
ME, KATE captured theatre-lovers from the start, with it's Broadway debut in
December of 1948 - garnering five Tony's, including Best Musical. The 1953 MGM
film was full of classic old Hollywood glamour, starring Kathryn Grayson, Howard
Keel, Ann Miller and Bobby Van. And, almost 50 years later, the Broadway revival
(true to its original form) earned a total of 12 Tony nominations and took home
five awards, including Best Musical revival in 1999. Ford's
Theatre in Baltimore, Maryland is the backdrop for KISS ME, KATE. It's a
sizzling summer in the late 1940's and egotistical actor/producer Fred Graham is
presenting a humorous musical version of TAMIN Enter
Lois Lane, a hot new chorus girl, (who immediately catches Fred's eye)
her gambling, Broadway hoofing boyfriend, Bill Calhoun, and two
wise-cracking gangsters sent in to collect on a bogus bet, and it's hilarious
madcap mayhem in KISS ME, KATE! New
York actors Tamara Jenkins and Ross David Crutchlow take the lead roles of Lilli Vanessi/Katharine
and Fred Graham/Petruchio in KISS ME, KATE - and together they
possess a dazzling chemistry. Jenkins
gives extra zing to her dual roles. Whether portraying a spoiled movie maven or a shrilling shrew, her
clear operatic voice coupled with her elegant beauty and talent is a special
treat. She soars with Crutchlow in "Wunderbar" and in her
wildly amusing solo "I Hate Men." Jenkins appeared in the first
national tours of CHICAGO as Velma, LES MISERABLES, where she originated
the role of Cosette and CATS, where she played four different felines. Ross
David Crutchlow
wealthily fills the shoes of his self-absorbed, womanizing characters.
His strong, rich voice confidently resonates across the stage in "Wunderbar"
with Jenkins. Crutchlow portrays an authentic Italian accent in Petruchio's
number, "Where is the Life that Late I Led?" and carries a
crowd-pleasing, noble tune in "I've Come to Live It Wealthily in Padua."
Crutchlow has taken on other title roles as, the Pirate King in THE
PIRATES OF PENZANCE and Kenickie in GREASE. He returns to the Carousel
after performing in a previous production of SHOW BOAT. Also
highlighting the principle cast are Christeena M. Riggs (R:) as Lois
Lane/Bianca and William B. Hubert, II (L:) as Bill Calhoun/Lucentio.
They compliment each other beautifully in "Why Can't You Behave,"
and "Always True to You in My Fashion." With
a stellar ensemble cast gathered by Associate Producer Karen Starr and
Director-Choreographer Joey Patton, KISS ME, KATE is full of zestful
performances! Showing that "Hot," is a recurring theme
throughout the musical, New York actor Wayne Grant leads the ensemble in the
heart pounding dance number, "Too Darn Hot."
They
bring the house down with fiery, high-energy choreography! Making
every dynamic dance number a vivacious entertainment experience is New Yorker
Lori Leshner, as Assistant to the Choreographer alongside Director-Choreographer Joey Patton. Leshner
"is very much suited to the sexy, jazzy dance style of the "Too
Darn Hot" musical number," said Associate Producer Karen Starr.
She also has experience specific to KISS ME, KATE, with training in the
classical style called Pavane, a 15th & 16th Century Italian court dance,
giving her all the right moves for this musical! Leshner teaches dance at the
renowned Tisch School of Arts at New York University. For
the first time in Carousel history, the theatre has collaborated with The
University of Akron's Department of Theatre to recreate some of the garb from
1948 America and 15th Century Italy. The
costumes are gorgeous, with the added expertise of New York Costume Designer
Dale DiBernardo. The rich colors and fabrics add dimension to the characters and
the extensive set. The largest set to be built exclusively for the Carousel
stage, the mammoth two-story piece takes us backstage at Ford's Theatre and
physically pivots 180 degrees to expose the back alley of the theatre. From its
inception in April of this year, over two tons of steel and over 2,100 man-hours
went into building this enormous set from scratch.
Bringing
the scenery to living color was not an easy task, and Carousel didn't just
choose any "Tom, Dick or Harry" to get the job done right.
Gifted New York Scenic Artist Kelly Tighe, who recently painted a
fantastic rustic Russian Village in FIDDLER, was preferred for this project.
Handling both Scenic Design and Art for Carousel's KISS ME, KATE, Tighe
painted every inch of surface by hand - and the results are spectacular! In
a show of 'firsts,' Associate Producer Karen Starr said "It was only
natural to unify the production by bringing on a new lighting designer for KISS
ME, KATE." Warren native and New York City resident Scott Davis,
direct from the Broadway revival of GYPSY, contributes his talents to Carousel's
KISS ME, KATE. Apparent throughout
the production, creative lighting treatments illuminate the costumes
and sets, turning the Carousel stage into radiant eye-candy! Davis attended Kent
State University and has designed lighting for over 100 musicals, plays and
operas. From
the big, bold opening number to the fabulous final scene, KATE is a fresh and
funny show-biz story that will leave audiences smiling and fully entertained! |
