Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter
SYNOPSIS AND CAST
A musical version of “The Taming of the Shrew” is about to open in Baltimore. In the show with producer- actor Fred Graham are his former wife, Lilli; Lois, a singer in whom he is interested; and Bill Calhoune, who is Lois’s interest. The irresponsible Bill informs Lois that he has signed Fred’s name to a 10,000 dollar IOU for gambling debts. She begs him to reform. Fred and Lilli patch up their differences as they reminisce nostalgically about other shows in which they have appeared together. Fred sends a bouquet to Lois, which is delivered in error to Lilli. On stage as Katherina, Lilli discovers that the bouquet was meant for Lois and threatens to leave the show. Her departure is prevented by two gangsters who have come to collect the IOU with Fred’s signature. As the first Act ends she is raging, both in character and reality.
Petruchio ( played by Fred Graham) although just married to Katherina, and beginning his tempestuous wedded life, begins to yearn for his life as a single man. Because of a sudden change in gang administration the gangsters tear up the now worthless IOU and Lilli prepares to walk out on the show as Fred muses on his love for her. They gangsters sing the always show-stopping Brush Up Your Shakespeare. As the show comes to close, Lilli unexpectedly returns and in Katherina’s words expresses her intention of returning to her husband.
Co-Directors: Marilyn McPherson & Janet Huckle
Musical Director: Timothy J Davies
Choreographer: Marilyn McPherson
CAST
| Fred Graham | Michael Pardoe |
| Harry Trevor | Paul Sadler |
| Lois Lane | Bianca Lindgren |
| Ralph (Stage Manager) | Chris Flint |
| Lilli Vanessi | Lorraine Ely |
| Hattie | Cindy Elson |
| Cabman | Neil Catton |
| Paul | Spencer Mitchell |
| Bill Calhoun | David Dolman |
| Chris Gilpin | George Borisov |
| Benjamin Stubbs | Simon Burrell |
| First Gangster | Robin Clifford |
| Second Gangster | Ray Vamplew |
| Harrison Howell | Hamish Norbrook |
| Doctor | Greg Shaw |
| Nurses | Mary Newton & Dominique Norbrook |
| Wine Merchant | Peter Bagwell |
| Hatbox Girl | Cecile Bidgens |
| Messenger Boy | Darren Betts |
| Gentleman Suitor | Geoff Greensmith |
| SERVANTS | |
| Nina Bridgens | |
| John Huckle | |
| Eve Manghani | |