Wow. I was one of the lucky folks in the audience Tuesday night for the St. Pete Opera production of Kiss Me Kate.
It’s a “don’t miss” production, with a stellar cast, great Cole Porter songs, terrific dancing, and the powerhouse 20-piece St. Petersburg Opera Orchestra live on stage. I was still smiling Wednesday morning.
Michael Kelly and Michele Sexton
Michael Kelly and Michele Sexton, as the former spouses at the center of this show, are terrific actors and singers and their rocky romance generates some real heat. Monica Charline Brown, as Lois Lane, was a showstopper in multiple numbers. As Bill Calhoun, Lois’ love interest, Charles Logan, proved to be a top notch singer and dancer, even adding a tap solo in Act. 2.
Our own Ward Smith, who brings stand-up comedy shows in the Side Door, was a scene stealer as Gangster No. 2, and his literal partner-in-crime, Shaun Rice, had me thinking of the great musical star Stubby Kaye, as the pair mugged through “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” With these two around, SPO should consider Guys and Dolls for a future musical.
The bad news about this show – there are only two more performances. One this Friday at 7:30 and Sunday afternoon at 2. Tickets are going fast. To get your tickets you can follow this link, or call our box office Friday after 12 at 727-822-3590.
Get to the theater before this show closes. You’ll be glad you did.
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