Fans of classic Broadway musicals should get to Bowie Playhouse in White Marsh Park to catch 2nd Star's stellar production of Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate," continuing through June 27.
The show has the added allure of being set in 1947 Baltimore at Ford's Theatre, lauded as the nation's oldest theater when it closed in 1964 after 95 years in operation.
Admirers of Porter's witty lyrics and fine melodies will savor this production for its 16 songs, including classics such as "So in Love," "Wunderbar," "Another Op'nin', Another Show" and "Always True to You in My Fashion."
Doing full justice to every number is a cast assembled by Los Angeles director Roy Hammond, a devoted Porter fan who has garnered several nominations and awards since returning to the Mid-Atlantic. The cast is well supported by music director and conductor Joe Biddle and his 16 musicians.
Four principal players head a cast of 20 telling the story of producer-director-actor Fred Graham's struggle to ready his production of Shakespeare's "Taming of the Shrew" for Broadway, with a cast that includes his ex-wife and mercurial leading lady, Lilli Vanessi. Other problems arise resulting from Fred's flirtation with another actress, Lois Lane, who is smitten with fellow actor and habitual gambler Bill Calhoun.
The comic plot is interspersed with great tunes — the show was Porter's first attempt to integrate songs into script, and he succeeded admirably to capture the first-ever Tony for Best Musical in 1949.
As Fred, Brian Binney has palpable rapport with Lilli, played by Brenda Parker. Together, this feuding couple delivers duets in "So in Love," "Wunderbar" and the title song, and join a quartet to deliver delicious fun in "We Open in Venice.
Parker's lustrous soprano enhances this production and captures listeners' hearts in ravishing solos, including the reprise of "So in Love" and her vehement "I Hate Men."
Shining with nearly equal star power are song-and-dance man Nathan Bowen as Bill and Amy Greco as Lois. Greco is making her 2nd Star debut, but her resume includes credits with Cockpit in Court and Vagabond Players in Fells Point.
She combines spectacular dancing with notable singing in "Always True to You in My Fashion" — a show-stopper on opening night. Her rendition of "Why Can't You Behave?" with Bowen delivers the promise of an illuminating musical evening that follows.
Bowen delivers a masterful acting performance to complement his singing and dancing; he has a seemingly inexhaustible number of spectacular moves to reveal.
The supporting players and dance ensemble glow as they contribute to the overall excellence of the production. Producer Jane Wingard creates a set of distinctive artistry, bringing Italy to life on the stage.
Tickets to "Kiss Me Kate" at Bowie Playhouse, 16500 White Marsh Park Drive, are available at 2ndstarproductions.com or by calling 410-757-5700.