Review: 'Kiss Me Kate" Is Vunderbar

You've probably never seen a production of the musical comedy "Kiss Me, Kate" because it's not revived that often. But you likely know the songs by Cole Porter, because they are spectacular: "Vunderbar," "Too Darn Hot" and "So In Love."

So why doesn't it pop up more frequently on our stages?

Well, the 1948 original is problematic. It's about two dueling ex-spouses who are both starring in a musical adaptation of "The Taming of the Shrew." For the most part, the original kept Shakespeare's gender politics, including a spanking of the ex-wife by the ex-husband.

Shudder. 

But this newly-recalibrated version directed by Scott Ellis at Roundabout Theatre changes all that. Now it's a clash of equals — and the result is delicious. 

Kelli O'Hara is the diva Lilli Vanessi, who's been talked into appearing as Kate in this out-of-town tryout of "Shrew" by her scoundrel of an ex-husband, Fred Graham (Will Chase). The two have some issues to work out — and soon their escalating one-upmanship migrates from back stage to onstage. O'Hara and Chase, of course, have the voices to pull off Porter songs like "So in Love," but they also sparkle together. They're joined by Corbin Bleu as Bill Calhoun, a gambler who brings a couple of star-struck gangsters to the stage door, and his lover Lois Lane (a sharply comic Stephanie Styles), who's just trying to get her big break. 

This merry foursome is surrounded by a cast of multiracial, old-school hoofers, who tear into Warren Carlyle's witty choreography. The most spectacular number is "Too Darn Hot" with its exhilarating group jump — check out a tease below.

This new "Kiss Me, Kate" is a joy. It's simply one of the purest pleasures now on Broadway.

"Kiss Me, Kate" with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Sam and Bella Spewack. Directed by Scott Ellis and choreographed by Warren Carlyle for Roundabout Theatre, through June 2, 2019.