One song from the Paper Mill Playhouse’s current production of “Kiss Me, Kate” says it all: “Too Darn Hot.”
Cole Porter’s sophisticated musical is another treasure for the Millburn Paper Mill Playhouse, where audiences can enjoy all the singing, dancing and acting that this talented cast can give.
The show, directed skillfully by James Brennan, with music direction by Tom Helm, tells the story of two actors, once married, now divorced, as they star in a musical version of Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew.” Tensions mount and tempers flare in this play within a play. Throw in two gangsters looking to settle a score and you have an entertaining musical comedy.
The plot is hilarious and fun, with incredibly polished and enjoyable dance numbers from choreographer Patti Colombo, who worked on Broadway’s “Peter Pan.” Colombo choreographed another Paper Mill favorite of mine, “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.”
“Kiss Me, Kate,” with book by Sam and Bella Spewack, music and lyrics by Porter, opened April 16 and runs until May 18 at the Paper Mill. The musical plays Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m., Thursdays at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. and 7:30p.m. at the Paper Mill, Brookside Drive.
Tickets range from $25 to $92. Student rush tickets are $20 and are available the day of performance in person with current student identification. Tickets may be purchased at the box office, by calling 973-376-4343 or on the web at www.papermill.org.
Many of the actors in “Kiss Me, Kate” have Broadway credits to their name, including the two leads. Mike McGowan, as Fred Graham, uses his powerful, yet lyric voice and strong stage presence to tell the story. Michele Ragusa plays his divorcee Lilli Vanessi, with a fun feistiness and voice so light and lovely that it almost seems to float. The two are drawn to one another, but fight it, which keeps the audience quietly rooting for these two to get together. While performing in “Taming of the Shrew,” Fred, as Petruchio asks Lilli, as Katherine, to kiss him. What follows is almost slapstick as we watch the play within the play slowly unravel.
Meanwhile, two gangsters, portrayed by William Ryall and Gordon Joseph Weiss, at times, steal the show. While trying to collect on a debt, the two end up in Shakespearean costume on stage. In, “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” they decide to try out another profession – that of musical theater performers, to entertaining results. They keep coming back for more, and the audience welcomes them with open arms.
Amanda Watkins portrays the slinky Lois Lane and Bianca in the “Taming of the Shrew” scenes, with sweetness and charm, and dancing chops to match her delightful voice. She shares tremendous chemistry with the talented Timothy J. Alex, as Bill Calhoun and Lucentio.
One of my favorite performers in “Kiss Me, Kate” is Eugene Fleming, as Paul, whose dancing and velvety, jazzy rendition of “Too Darn Hot” keeps us riveted. At one point during the song, the audience erupted in applause.
The cast is rounded out solidly by Herb Foster (Harry Trevor/Baptista), Stacey Sargeant (Hattie), Robert Stoeckle (General Harrison Howell), Elliott Bradley, Stephen Carrasco, Desiree Davar, Katie Hagen, Wes Hart, Cameron Henderson, Tiffany Janene Howard, Danielle Jordan, Liz Kimball, Gary Lynch, Kate Marilley, Rod Roberts, Eric Shorey, Elisa Van Duyne, Kyle Vaughn, and Ryan Worsing.
Bravo to James Fouchard for his scenic design and especially to Martin Pakledinaz for his original costume design, and to Gail Baldoni for costume coordination and additional design. The Shakespearean scenes feature flowing costumes in bright blues, oranges, reds and purples. The set is especially appealing as it transforms from the actors’ elaborately decorated dressing rooms to the Shakespearean stage to the theater’s rustic backstage lot.
Director Brennan writes in the program’s Director’s Notes that the show celebrates the “theater community…that extended family of actors, directors, stagehands, singers, and dancers that inhabits every theater everywhere!”
“And if you think that what you’re seeing on the stage couldn’t possibly reflect who we are, you would be wrong,” Brennan wrote in his Notes. “We are all kinds, but we are a family, and we hope that you enjoy our valentine from Cole.”
Up next at the Paper Mill is “Little Shop of Horrors,” which is scheduled to run June 4 through July 6. Besides professional shows, the Paper Mill, among many programs, offers an acting conservatory for young performers. The theater, a not-for-profit arts organization, also helps promote the arts in New Jersey public high schools.
Margie Druss Fodor reviews local theater. To contact her, e-mail margietheater@aol.com.
