Kiss Me Kate, lighthearted play within a play - By Michelle Libby

There’s only one week left to see the hilarious, touching story of Kiss Me Kate on stage at the Windham Performing Arts Center at Windham High School. The talented cast shows their range with this play within a play about a leading man who is reunited with his ex-wife. They are cast opposite one another in a play “The Taming of the Shrew.” The scenes bounce back and forth between on and off stage in the fun musical that takes place in Baltimore. “Throw a number of cases of mistaken identity, some gangsters, and additional romantic entanglements into the mix and you get Kiss Me Kate!” according to the playbill. 

With so many story lines going on, the play is rather long, but entertaining nonetheless with its toe tapping songs and cute romantic story.  

Ellie Joseph is outstanding as Lilli/Kate, the ex-wife/diva, who is not willing to settle for traditional wifely roles. She belts out songs like “I Hate Men” and “I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple.” 

Will Wheaton made the roll of Fred/Petruchio his own, staying in character even when he wasn’t in the spotlight. He made the audience root for him and we hoped that eventually he would win the girl in the end. (SPOILER: He does.) 

Other stand outs were Celine Baker in the role of Lois singing “Always True To You In My Fashion.” Hanna Griffin also did a great job leading the ensemble in “Too Darn Hot”. And the comedic timing of Hannah Brackett and Caleb MacDonald with their gangster accents was spot on, keeping the audience laughing though out the show. 

The hair, make up and costumes were perfect for the time period and the actors that had to change costumes between the Shakespearean play and the modern day did so effortlessly and in character. This was not a one costume per person performance. The costumer was Weslie Evans and the assistant was Pat Hutchinson. 

The show was directed by Rob Juergens with the music director Richard Nickerson and choreographer Vanessa Beyland. 

With three more shows this Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., don’t miss a chance for a fun evening out. For reservations, call 207-893-1742 or email fallmusical@gmail.com. However, reservations are not required.

Pit Band