AKRON – Cole Porter’s Tony-winning Kiss Me Kate, fresh from its Broadway revival, makes its Akron debut on the Carousel Dinner Theatre stage July 9 through Aug. 31.
Kiss Me Kate opened on Broadway in December 1948 and a year later captured five Tonys, including Best Musical. The 1999 Broadway revival garnered a total of 12 Tony nominations and took home four awards.
Comical drama. The comical story follows the simultaneous on-stage and off-stage drama between bickering exes during a musical production of Taming of the Shrew.
Producer Fred Graham, who has cast himself in the lead role of Petruchio, and his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi, in the role of Katharine, let personal spats roll onto the stage.
Kiss Me Kate is based on the book by Sam and Bella Spewack with music and lyrics by Cole Porter.
Stars. Starring as Lilli Vanessi is New York actress Tamara Jenkins. Actor Ross David Crutchlow portrays Fred Graham.
Prices. Dinner and show tickets range from $37 to $45 while show-only tickets range from $24.50 to $32.50.
Show time is 2 p.m. for all Wednesday and Saturday matinees. Sunday performances begin at 5 p.m.
On week nights, the curtain rises at 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8:30 p.m. The theatre is open for luncheon and dinner service two hours before curtain time.
For evening performances July 9 and 10, a complete dinner and show costs $32.50.
Call Carousel’s group sales professionals at 330-724-9855, ext. 149 for information on group rates, individualized party or presentation planning and banquet room or theatre rentals.
Discounts. Carousel offers discounted prices for children and student groups, as well as senior citizen discounts.
For reservations and information, contact the Carousel Dinner Theatre at 1275 East Waterloo Road, Akron, or call the Carousel Box Office at 330-724-9855 or 800-362-4100, Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.