For the first time since 2019, West’s musical theater program will be putting on a show in the auditorium! The show is Kiss Me, Kate, the hit golden age musical complete with warring exes, witty gangsters, and plenty of Shakespearean drama. The show opens on March 31 and runs until April 3, so clear your calendars and make sure to purchase your tickets in advance!

The show follows a theater company putting on William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in Baltimore. The play’s director and leading lady, Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, respectively, used to be married but now can barely stand to be in the same room together. The play reconciles the two, although neither is willing to admit their true feelings for the other. Meanwhile, ingenue Lois Lane and her boyfriend Bill Calhoun, both in the play as well, fight over Bill’s gambling habits and Lois’ adultery. The show features classic Shakespearean scenes and high-energy musical numbers such as “Another Op’nin’, Another Show,” “Tom, Dick, or Harry,” and “Too Darn Hot” (my personal favorite).

The cast and crew have been hard at work rehearsing for the show since January, rehearsing four days a week up until March. Although production was sometimes stressful, everyone was able to really bond and enjoy the experience. Gaby Robino (‘22), who plays Lilli, says her favorite part of the experience was “the memories we made along the way. I love getting to see the show grow from the first rehearsal to the last.”

A huge congratulations to the cast, crew, and pit of Kiss Me, Kate for all of their hard work in creating a show that is truly one-of-a-kind. Whippets, show out and support our musical theater program this weekend! Shows are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are available here and at the door.