Cappies Review: Herndon High School Stages Dazzling 'Kiss Me, Kate'

By Ava Turley of Quince Orchard High School
Cappies Review

HERNDON, VA — "Kiss Me, Kate" presented by Herndon High School was not just "Another Opening, Another Show." With sass, Shakespeare, and a leading lady brimming with poise and personality, this production dazzled with its perfect comedy. Through the stellar cast and impressive sets, Herndon High School has captured a beautiful story of showmance to end all others.

Written by Bella and Samuel Spewack and composed by Cole Porter, "Kiss Me, Kate" portrays the on-stage/off-stage battling of two former lovers as they perform their musical adaptation of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." While having to play romantic interests onstage, Lilli (Hope Hill) and Fred (Josh Wise) engage in angry brawls behind the scenes. This results in a not-so-typical production involving gangsters, gambling, and a general of the U.S. Army. The production originally opened on Broadway in 1948, where it was met with multitudes of praise and awards. "Kiss Me, Kate" was the very first recipient of the title "Best Musical" from the Tony Awards, as well as winning "Best Original Score" and "Best Author" among other honors.

Hope Hill, playing the incorrigible Lilli Vanessi/Katharine, dominated the stage with stunning vocals and deadpan humor. Effortlessly contrasting between an ill-tempered shrew and a lovesick romantic, Hill left the audience in stitches throughout the majority of the performance. This was especially prominent in her comedic number "I Hate Men." Hill took total control of the stage in this hysterical solo, adopting a bold, sassy tone and choosing hilarious physical beats that sold the song. Hill also demonstrated polished vocal control over many incredibly challenging numbers. From her strong, brassy alto in "So in Love" to her clear, operatic soprano in "Kiss Me, Kate," Hill's impressive vocal range won her thunderous applause.

Perfectly complementing Hill was Josh Wise, who played Fred Graham/Petruchio. The two shared excellent stage chemistry, whether sharing an intimate moment or throwing punches. This constant whiplash of their relationship was especially apparent in numbers such as "Wunderbar," where they reminisced on their past romance, and "Kiss Me, Kate," where Hill ardently refused to grant Wise a kiss. Alongside Fred Graham were his two detainers, the gangsters. Andrew Landrum and Bo Chatterjee as Gangsters 1 and 2 truly stole every scene they appeared in. Landrum and Chatterjee added to the immensely comedic show through their consistent character dialects, as well as their endless switching and stealing of hats.

The talented cast was only elevated further by the complex sets seen throughout the show. Designed by Jefferson Escobar-Rivera, Henry Collins, Charly Olsen, and Andrew Landrum, the different pieces maximized functionality and burst with tiny details that added to the magic. Most notable was the set in "The Taming of the Shrew" scenes, including a functional fountain, a detailed stained-glass window, and ivy creeping up alongside a two-story house. An additional technical element that enhanced the story was the props (Amelie Aubouin), particularly the fake guns that the gangsters possessed. When fired, the guns produced a cloud of smoke and a loud pop, which immersed the audience in the fast-paced, high-roller world of the mob.

"Kiss Me, Kate" is a demanding show to perform and produce, but the students at Herndon High School rose to the challenge with ease and dedication. The overall production was clever and well-directed, not to mention hilarious. You'll be "So in Love" with Herndon's production of "Kiss Me, Kate."