Years later, Subber, then a producer, had comedy writers Samuel and Bella Spewack write the libretto for Kiss Me, Kate, a play about the fiery relationship, onstage and off, between the two principal actors in a production of The Taming Of The Shrew (incidentally, the Spewacks, long separated when they penned the play, reunited afterwards). Cole Porter contributed the music, for what many regard as his best musical comedy.
The Ottawa Little Theatre opened its summer season Monday with Kiss Me, Kate, which runs until July 28.
The story begins with the arrival of a theatre troupe in Baltimore. Playing the role of Shakespeare's Petruchio is Fred Graham (played by Dan Baran -- confused?). Graham's ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi (Dianna Renee Yorke) plays the shrew, Katherine.
While Graham's and Vanessi's strong temperaments keep them at odds, it is clear that they still love each other. Unfortunately for that last aspect, Vanessi is to marry the dowdy southerner, Harrison Howell (Joe O'Brien).
A case of mistaken identity, however, finds Graham in trouble with the mob, a sticky wicket he turns to his advantage when Vanessi tries to quit the cast.
Monday's OLT performance was somewhat up-and-down, with uneven sound and music holding back some fine performances by cast members.
Chief among those performances was that given by Yorke. As both Vanessi and Katherine, she put on a spirited display of withering looks, hairy eyeballs and hateful stares, accompanied by powerfully clear and crisp singing. Her rendition of I Hate Men, while brandishing a long knife, was one of the evening's highlights.
Baran, too, gave a strong performance as egotist Graham and gold digger Petruchio, although his period of contrition as the former was too brief to view Venessi's possible return as anything but misguided.
And high on the list of comedic help were the two hoods, played by Sam Smith and Barry Daley. With over-the-top goon mentalities, the pair were hilarious as they donned Shakespearian costumes (although not removing their black-and-white gangster shoes) to ensure that Venessi would not escape.
Involved in a number of humorous scenes throughout the play, the two were at their best when, apparently bitten by the theatre bug but without the talent to back it up, they performed an almost unending version of Brush Up Your Shakespeare.
Nicole Williams and Bernard Leger were also both fine as the secondary love combo of Bill Calhoun and Lois Lane (and Lucentio and Bianca) -- he, the trampled-upon lover, she, the tramp.
But these performances were often dulled by the seven-piece "Kiss Me" Combo. Their timing was off on occasion, while the trumpet is probably the worst instrument on which to make gaffes, and Monday night's were likely heard as far away as Porter's grave.
As well, many of the musical numbers -- Too Darn Hot and Always True To You come to mind -- got lost in a wash, as the actors' singing could scarcely be heard over the band.
The sets (designed by Don Torney), meanwhile, were compact and economical and did the job perfectly, while David Magladry's lighting showed them to great effect.
Kiss Me, Kate continues at the Ottawa Little Theatre, 400 King Edward Ave., until July 28. Tickets for the 8 p.m. shows are $18 each and available at the box office or by calling 233-8948.
[ Source: http://www.ottawacitizen.com ]