The Sun City Theatre Company takes to the stage this fall for the musical, Kiss Me Kate, based on William Shakespeare’s comedy, The Taming of the Shrew, set to music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
Actors Sara Tustin and Kevin Fenner get into characters Lillie Vanessi and Admiral Harrison Howell at a recent dress rehearsal for Kiss Me Kate. (Photo provided)
While Taming of the Shrew follows the tempestuous courtship of Katherine and Petruchio, Kiss Me Kate adds another layer of conflict to the story by depicting actors Fred Graham and his movie star ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi, preparing to play opposite each other as Petruchio and Katherine on opening night. Much drama — on and off the stage — ensues.
“It’s a sophisticated show — a show within a show,” says Peter Davis, Musical Director. “The leading lady and leading man were divorced the year before. A lot of what he does and how she acts mirrors the Taming of the Shrew.”
Davis says even if audience members haven’t seen the show before, they may find themselves humming along with the songs.
“They may not think they’ll know the music, but they will,” says Davis.
“Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” and “Too Darn Hot” are some of the delightful songs that first made their way onto playlists when the Tony award-winning musical first premiered in 1948.
Davis, who usually conducts from the piano bench, found this score to be a challenge for both him and the 9-piece orchestra because of Porter’s sophisticated rhythms with frequent time changes.
“My conclusion was, it couldn’t be done,” says Davis. “So we hired a conductor.”
Since starting the theater group 17 years ago, Davis is proud of the consistently good work put out by the cast, crew, and musicians. “People who attend are surprised and impressed with the quality,” he says. “We have wonderful talent in Sun City.”
“[The theater] is like family,” says Davis. “I know people throw that term around, but I use it advisedly. They’re a tight knit group, who pull together and work hard for each other. It’s one of the reasons they’re so good.”
Davis looks forward to each show he does because he knows how meaningful theater is.
“It keeps your mind sharp,” says Davis. “My wife points out that there are people who have been with the company for 17 years, since the theater started, and they’ve hardly aged!”
But mostly, Davis knows theater is important for audiences. “I consider what I do a mission rather than a job,” he says. “If we can provide 2 or 3 hours where you can forget the craziness of the world, then you’ve done your job well.”
Performances of Kiss Me Kate are Thursday, November 14 and Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 16 at 3 p.m., and Sunday, November 17 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets will be on sale Monday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Drendel Breakout Room and Mondays October 21 and November 4 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Hickory Room in Prairie Lodge. Tickets are $17 for adults and $12 for children, cash or check only. For further Thursday and Friday ticket information call: 847-515-8545 or Saturday and Sunday ticket information call: 847-515-1583.
