Well, it’s about time! It’s been almost 5 years since I’ve directed a show at PCPH. I grew up in the PCPH family, so it’s almost like a second home. Best of all, the award-winning Kiss Me Kate gives performers an opportunity to extend their talents in comedic musical theater and Shakespeare – all wrapped into one delightful show!

Taking its inspiration from Shakespeare, Kiss Me Kate recounts the backstage and onstage antics of two feuding romantic couples, star-upstaging upstarts, and sudden romances during a touring production of The Taming of the Shrew.

Although I directed Kiss Me Kate in 1983, I look forward to creating a fresh revival of the Cole Porter musical. It sparkles with wonderful music and dance. The musical includes classic Cole Porter songs including “Another Op’nin’, Another Show”, “Wunderbar,” “So In Love,” “Too Darn Hot”, and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare.” It is a show within a show, where the present day troupe is presenting Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew and the audience travels between Shakespeare’s Padua and the intrigues within the theatrical company.

I’m really looking forward to auditions on April 5 at 3:00 and April 6 at 7:00 p.m.. We’re having them a bit early in lieu of the fact that the following weekend is Easter. We will begin rehearsals after Easter, rehearsing in the evening Monday through Thursday and sometimes Friday. The cast will be provided with a full rehearsal schedule up to opening night on June 5.

I’m looking forward to working with “old” friends, and more importantly working with new friends. It is so important to me that everyone realizes that auditions are open to ANYONE who has an interest in working together to give our PCPH audition a wonderful evening of entertainment. I love new talent on stage! I never want auditions to be intimidating. Auditions will include singing a verse and chorus from one of your favorite songs, reading from the script, and some dancing or movement depending on the role for which you are auditioning (so bring proper shoes). A complete description of the roles will be available at auditions. An accompanist will be provided, but bring your own sheet music.

I learned long long ago, you are only as good as the people with which you surround yourself. Geoff Price and I have worked together for years both at GHS and PCPH. Our cast will have the best of the best with music director Geoff, who is joined by Marilyn Burdsall.

Choreographer Lita Sandy and I haven’t got to work together for several years, and the hours we spend together--her inventing dance moves and me saying “almost” are so much fun. And of course with my good friend Jack Randall Earles at my side along with the very talented Kullan Edberg assisting, how can I go wrong!?

Bryan Schroeder will serve as the technical director. He will always be “Red” to me, and I have great memories of first working with Red at GHS when he began his technical career. And last, but certainly not least, I can become very bull-headed if the show doesn’t reap the rewards of the creative spirits of Linda Gjesvold.
It is with great anticipation I not only look forward to seeing you at Kiss Me Kate auditions, but also look forward to watching a cast come together with lots of work, fun and laughs at rehearsals.

Come join us make magic as we open the 2009 Putnam County Playhouse season.

Vickie Parker