Kiss Me, Kate

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Kiss Me, Kate at the Glendale Centre Theatre Reviewed by Travis Michael Holder March 18, 2010 No production of this classic backstage-themed musical works without an enthusiastic and energetic ensemble cast. Although cramped together on this small stage and with a wide range of seasoning evident among GCT's staggeringly large troupe of chorus "boys and girls"—as they were still called, when this show first debuted, without concern for political correctness—the cast's work here is the highlight of the evening. Sharply staged in the round by director Tom Robinson, this seemingly millionth production of Cole Porter's 1948 warhorse has the luck of being led by such a well-weathered old hand as Dink O'Neal as over-the-top and wincingly melodramatic producer-director–stage star Fred Graham. O'Neal finds the perfect blend of exaggerated theatricality and sweetly emotional moments. Donna Cherry as his Kate is also an obvious musical theatre veteran blessed with a spectacular voice; but, although the chemistry between them during the couple's notorious battle scenes is pitch-perfect, the romantic moments fall flat—perhaps because Cherry doesn't do much besides pout, look angry, or place her hands on her hips. Alli McGinnis and Joey Elrose have charmed moments as second-banana couple Lois and Bill, as do Dean Ricca and Shawn Cahill as those vociferous prison library–educated gangsters brushing up on their Shakespeare. Kate Ponzio and Clayton Farris step out from the chorus to lead the company, respectively, in this production's two knockout show-stoppers, "Another Op'nin', Another Show" and "Too Darn Hot," both spectacularly choreographed by Mark Knowles—especially considering such a limited amount of playing space. It's infectious for anyone in an audience when this many, (mostly) squeakily fresh-scrubbed, eager young actors can collectively stand around while posing in silly Shakespearean costumes between production numbers, listening endlessly as the principals sing Porter's numerous verses and in general carry on, and still manage to look as though they're having such a good time. In particular is the presence of one rubber-faced kid named Jeffrey Dolenar, with a goofy Joe E. Brown smile, whose conspicuous excitement at being part of this without ever once losing concentration or trying to pull his own focus, as well his willingness to push himself just a little harder than the others in dance numbers, signals the emergence of a future great performer. Or in this case, maybe a whole stage chockfull of them. Presented by and at the Glendale Centre Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale. Feb. 11-Apr. 3. Thurs.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat., 3 and 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m. (818) 244-8481. www.glendalecentretheatre.com.

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