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Kiss Me, Kate: The Musical

2024

Comedy / Musical

2
IMDb Rating 7.5/10 10 85 85

musical romcom based on play or musical musical comedy west end shakespeare

Plot summary

Recorded from the West End, Kiss Me Kate follows a pair of divorced actors brought together to participate in a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. Of course, the couple seem to act a great deal like the characters they play, and they must work together when mistaken identities get them mixed up with the mafia.

Director

Brett Sullivan Photo
Brett Sullivan

Top cast

Peter Davison Photo
Peter Davison as General Harrison Howell
Adrian Dunbar Photo
Adrian Dunbar as Fred
Hammed Animashaun Photo
Hammed Animashaun as Gangster
Nigel Lindsay Photo
Nigel Lindsay as Gangster
720p.WEB 1080p.WEB
1.35 GB
1280*720
English 2.0
NR
us  
29.97 fps
2 hr 29 min
Seeds 31
2.5 GB
1920*1080
English 2.0
NR
us  
29.97 fps
2 hr 29 min
Seeds 47

Movie Reviews

Reviewed by Wilot 7 / 10

The stage in closeup.

Originally penned by Cole Porter in 1948, *Kiss Me, Kate* is a high-spirited blend of musical theater, comedy, and drama, all wrapped around a theatrical production of Shakespeare's *Taming of the Shrew*. The musical cleverly intertwines the backstage antics of a troubled Broadway show with the onstage drama of the iconic play, creating a chaotic yet thrilling narrative.At the heart of the story are Fred and Lilli (played by Dunbar and Block), a divorced couple whose volatile relationship mirrors the dynamic between Petruchio and Kate in Shakespeare's work. Their simmering tension, combined with their unresolved feelings for each other, adds an emotional depth to the otherwise lighthearted show. As the cast scrambles to pull off a successful opening night, their efforts are continuously derailed by Fred and Lilli's bickering, which is only further complicated by the presence of gun-toting gangsters who have come to collect on Fred's debts.One of the most compelling aspects of *Kiss Me, Kate*-and its most lasting charm-is how it balances the story within a story. The play-within-a-play structure, where the musical's production mirrors the actions of the *Taming of the Shrew* being performed on stage, allows for both comedic flair and emotional resonance. The juxtaposition of the chaos of the theater world with the very real stakes of Fred and Lilli's relationship creates a fast-paced, engaging narrative that plays out in entertaining ways.Sher's adaptation maintains this balance with ease, offering a vibrant update to the original. Just as in the original film, the musical numbers are dazzling-Porter's memorable tunes such as "Another Op'nin', Another Show" and "So in Love" continue to captivate, providing the perfect vehicle for the cast to showcase their vocal and comedic talents. The comedic subplots, including the gangster subplot, provide a layer of farce that only enhances the central romantic tension, showing that the real spectacle is not just the Shakespearean play, but the quirky, dramatic lives of the performers themselves.Though *Kiss Me, Kate* has always been a musical that relies on its ensemble to bring the humor and musicality to life, this adaptation shines thanks to its deft handling of its complex characters. Dunbar and Block offer solid performances, capturing both the antagonistic humor and underlying affection of Fred and Lilli. Their chemistry is a cornerstone of the production, providing the emotional stakes that balance out the antics of the gangsters and backstage drama.Sher's adaptation, much like the original, proves that Cole Porter's genius lies not only in his dazzling songs but in his ability to weave layers of humor, romance, and chaos into a single show. It is a piece that both celebrates the world of theater and provides a sharp commentary on love, forgiveness, and the absurdity of life onstage. If you've seen the original film, you'll recognize the genius of *Kiss Me, Kate* in how it skillfully juggles its many moving parts, creating a joyous, fast-paced, and undeniably entertaining experience. Shakespeare would surely approve-if not of the shenanigans, then certainly of the love story at its heart.
Reviewed by bstarr-99077 7 / 10

Watch the movie too

The MGM movie with Howard Keel and Katherine Greyson is superior in some ways. The principal movie actors are better suited in age , the singers are more musical and the dance numbers cannot be matched by the current version.However, the story, the songs from Cole Porter remain timely with clever lyrics.There is some updating with current sensibilities about male/female roles in today's world. Not having the opportunity to see the original Broadway stage version from the 1940's it is difficult to know how closely this version honors the past. This is a lively performance and if you have never seen the movie you will be well satisfied.
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