The previously announced stage film capture of the recent London revival of Kiss Me, Kate has set an international release date. The film will be in movie theatres in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Australia, and other selected international territories beginning November 17.
The film, captured before the revival concluded its run at London's Barbican Theatre September 14, stars Tony winner Stephanie J. Block as Lilli Vanessi and Katharine, along with Adrian Dunbar as Fred Graham and Petruchio, Charlie Stemp (Crazy for You; Hello, Dolly!) as Bill Calhoun and Lucentio, Georgina Onuorah (Oklahoma!) as Lois Lane and Bianca, Hammed Animashaun as Gangster, Nigel Lindsay as Gangster, and Peter Davison as General Harrison Howell. Tony winner Bartlett Sher directed.
The company also includes Josie Benson as Hattie, Jack Butterworth as Paul, Jude Owusu as Harry Trevor and Baptista, Carl Au as Hortensio, Jordan Crouch as Gremio, Gary Milner as Ralph, and James Hume as Pops, along with Alisha Capon, Shani Cator, Maya de Faria, Amelia Kinu Muus, Jacqui Jameson, Lucas Koch, Alex Lodge, Nell Martin, Anna McGarahan, John Stacey, and Harrison Wilde. Swings were Robin Kent, Barry Drummond, Emily Goodenough, and Maddie Harper.
With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Sam and Bella Spewack, Kiss Me, Kate is a meta adaptation of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, following the contentious but ultimately romantic connection between actors Fred and Lilli offstage as they're appearing in a touring production of the Shakespeare classic onstage. Porter's score introduced such favorites as "Another Op'nin', Another Show," "Why Can't You Behave?," "So in Love," "I Hate Men," "Too Darn Hot," "Always True to You in My Fashion," "Brush Up Your Shakespeare," and others.
The musical premiered on Broadway in 1948, becoming a smash hit and spawning a 1953 film adaptation and several television productions in the U.S. and U.K. The show has since become a favorite to revive on the Main Stem, with heavily revised versions hitting the stage in 1999 and 2019. London's West End has been a welcome home for the work, too, with 1970, 2001, and 2012 revivals following the 1951 premiere.
The creative team also includes choreographer Anthony Van Laast, costume designer Catherine Zuber, scenic designer Michael Yeargan, lighting designer Donald Holder, sound designer Adam Fisher, and music supervisor Stephen Ridley.
Howard Panter is producing for Trafalgar Theatre Productions in association with Barbican Theatre.
Find a theatre near you and get tickets at KissMeKateCinema.com.
Adrian Dunbar and company of Kiss Me Kate
Adrian Dunbar and company of Kiss Me Kate
Hammed Animashaun, Nigel Lindsay, and Adrian Dunbar in Kiss Me Kate
Charlie Stemp, Georgina Onuorah, and company of Kiss Me Kate
Charlie Stemp and company of Kiss Me Kate
Peter Davison and Stephanie J. Block in Kiss Me Kate
Stephanie J. Block and Adrian Dunbar in Kiss Me Kate
Company of Kiss Me Kate
