Verdict: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (reviewed Saturday 19 October).
After a strong season of exceptional productions The Regals Musical Society have presented yet another smash hit. Kiss Me, Kate, Cole Porter’s classic inspired by Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, continues its run at Rockdale Town Hall to near-capacity audiences.
Like comical violence in cartoons, Kiss Me, Kate unapologetically lampoons gender stereotypes to the point of being laughable and ridiculous. With that framing in mind, it’s easy to find the charm and chemistry that makes this production of Kiss Me, Kate a huge success with diverse audiences.
Kiss Me, Kate is a show within a show; a divorced couple (Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi) are starring in a production of Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew. Both Fred and Lilli are seeing other people, and tensions flair both on stage and off as there are unresolved jealousies and passions between them. The feeling of being jealous of your ex’s new partner, even though you are adamant you have moved on from them, speaks directly to the absurd and irrational side of human nature, the way Shakespeare’s plays did.
In fact, Kiss Me, Kate is based on a real life episode of a celebrity couple squabbling backstage, yet having to play ‘in love’ with bitter irony. That delicious duplicitousness gives this show its timeless appeal, even when Fred is being a toxic masculine jerk, even when he’s spanking his co-star, even when a young woman is singing a song about being surrounded by thirsty men named Tom, Harry and Dick. There’s a quote in the show from Noel Coward: ‘Certain women should be struck regularly, like gongs’. That’s definitely crossing a line, but it indicates what sort of world it was back then when men were not the salubrious kind. In retort, the lead female actress sings: I hate men!
Kiss Me, Kate falls in the genre of screwball romantic comedy, and The Regals Music Society delivers this oldie-goldie classic with plenty of movement, spark and chemistry.
Costumes by Christine Forbes and Mel Hogan are colourful and vibrant, complementing the gorgeous set design by Tim Martin and staging design by Andrew Yager / Event Engineering.
Sound design by Andrew Yager and team gives the show a big Broadway sound, right in the heart of Rockdale.
Choreographer Chris Bamford could be seen during intermission overseeing the second performance of the day. The upkeep of energy and commitment by the cast and ensemble throughout a demanding production schedule is extremely admirable.
Musical Director Jonah Eskander navigates the orchestra with personality and humour, becoming part of the action on stage rather than separate to it. Every number garnered rapturous applause, signifying that you were watching the best show in town.
Co-directors Mel Hogan (also Production Manager) and Tim Martin brought Cole Porter’s vision to life, appealing to a diverse crowd while being faithful to the book by Sam and Bella Spewack.
Top billing actors Georgia Kokkoris and John Hogan bring chemistry and charm to their sparring ex-spousal roles, and in a subtle way, we recognise the lens of the Harris / Trump debate. Maybe Fred Graham (Hogan) has a ‘concept of a plan’ to woo her back and tame her fiery temper, but the self-respecting Lilli Vanessi (Kokkoris) isn’t taking the bait, honey. She’ll only give in on her terms, even if it takes almost three hours and 20 epic songs to get there.
The classic Too Darn Hot was a showstopper, and subplots involving gangsters and shady republicans added to the comical vibe of American politics.
Overall, this production of Kiss Me, Kate is too darn good. Don’t miss the final show!
Kiss Me, Kate, presented by The Regals Musical Society, is playing at Rockdale Town Hall til 20 October. For tickets and showtimes, go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1206271
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Images: Dominic Meier