North Central College students perform classic musical “Kiss Me, Kate”

North Central College students will perform Cole Porter’s Tony Award-winning musical “Kiss Me, Kate” Nov. 8-11.

Six performances will be staged at 8 p.m. Nov. 8, at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 9-11 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 10-11 in North Central’s Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students and senior citizens; call the North Central College Box Office at 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix.

The show at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 11, is an additional performance of this production.

Featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter, with book by Sam and Bella Spewack, this classic musical-within-a-musical of the Golden Age of American musical theatre has charmed audiences for more than six decades.

“Kiss Me, Kate” follows the troubled relationship of film star Lilli Vanessi as she returns to Broadway opposite her former husband—director, producer and actor Fred Graham. They soon discover they still have feelings for each other. Meanwhile, Bill Calhoun—the Broadway hoofer given a chance to play Shakespeare—seems to have a bit of a gambling problem. The gentlemen who work for the floating crap game appear backstage to collect an IOU signed by Graham and the fun begins.

With vivid characters from Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew” and legendary numbers like “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Why Can’t You Behave?” and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “Kiss Me, Kate” is perfect entertainment for the entire family.

The production is directed and choreographed by Brian Lynch, North Central College’s fine arts director, with musical direction by Jeordano Martinez, professor of music.

The cast of principal roles for “Kiss Me, Kate” includes (part, actor, town, year, major):

Fred Graham: Brad Morrison of St. Charles, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre and music
Harry Trevor: Bryan Renaud of Sugar Grove, Ill., a senior majoring in theatre
Lois Lane: Emma van Ommeren of Lake Mills, Wis., a senior majoring in musical theatre
Lois Lane: Emila Benassi of Winnebago, Ill., a junior majoring in musical theatre and broadcast communication
Ralph/Nathaniel: Mark Yacullo of Naperville, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Lilli Vanessi: Heidi Buyck of Woodridge, Ill., a senior majoring in musical theatre
Lilli Vanessi: Grace Heimerl of Naperville, a senior majoring in musical theatre
Hattie: Chelsea Ward of Naperville, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Doorman/Gregory: Erik Burke of Monroe, Mich., a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Paul: Aronzo Traylor of Chicago, a sophomore majoring in musical theatre
Bill Calhoun: Brett Bush of Clarendon Hills, Ill., a sophomore majoring in music education

Navistar is underwriting sponsor of North Central College’s 2012-2013 Fine and Performing Arts Season. The season is partially supported by USG Corporation and a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

North Central College offers majors in theatre or musical theatre and a minor in dance. A full range of acting and dance classes is available, as well as opportunities to direct a full-length production. Students of all majors can participate in musical and nonmusical performances, actor showcases and one-act plays and performances in the College’s four theatre venues. Full-time professors and active professionals who are artist-teachers serve as faculty.