By Evan Heringer
Saturday marked the grand opening of the Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a day that will be marked with the Pacific Lutheran’s first theatrical performance of the school year.
Directed by Jeff Clapp, artistic director of theater, “Kiss Me, Kate,” is set to make its debut at the center’s grand opening.
Sophomore Cameron Waters, who plays Stagehand #3 and an assortment of other characters in “Kiss Me, Kate,” said the play is a “light and fun musical written during the golden age by Cole Porter.”
The Golden Age is the era of theater that produced musicals intended to be loud and fun, such as “Oklahoma!”
“The play is based around a theater company putting on a musical version of Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew’ and the hilarity that ensues from the backstage hijinks and miscommunication,”Cameron said.
Senior Taylor Capellero plays Paul, a character that is a “calm, collected, and organized individual who always knows what to say and when to say it.”
Capellero sings the musical number “Too Darn Hot,” which has been covered by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald.
Capellero said to expect comedy, drama, and romance plus some jazz and swing dancing. Capellero said he didn’t know too much about the play going into it, but some of the things he really enjoys are the gangsters, gambling and dancing.
Sophomore Sarah Hubert plays Lilli and Kate and said there are many hidden qualities within the play. She said some scenes are very “emotionally deep,” but overall there will be “a lot of laughs.” The play is also a ‘spectacle,’ which means there are big costumes, dances, and sets.
The opening gala for “Kiss Me, Kate” was Saturday from 5:30-9:30 p.m. The gala started with a Wine and Dine at 5:30 p.m., followed by a ribbon cutting and dedication event before the curtain rose for “Kiss Me, Kate” at 7:30 p.m.
“Kiss Me, Kate” is also playing this weekend on Oct. 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. Check the communication and theatre calendar online at http://www.plu.edu/communication-theatre/calendar/home.php for more details.
