Stephanie J. Block in Kiss Me, Kate – London

Trafalgar Theatre Productions, in collaboration with the Barbican, has announced the revival of Kiss Me, Kate, directed by Bartlett Sher and led by Stephanie J Block & Adrian Dunbar.

Hailed as Cole Porter’s greatest musical comedy, the production is set for a 15-week run at the Barbican Theatre starting on 4 June 2024, with a press night scheduled for 18 June, concluding on 14 September. Public booking opens on 19 January 2024.

Updated On: 1/17/24 at 02:29 AM

I find it interesting Bartlett Sher is directing this given that he's not typically known for doing full fledged comedies.

I wouldn’t be too sure of that. We just had a major revival of the show with Kelli, a few years ago. 

RippedMan said: "Assuming this will eventually find its way to nyc."

Unlikely. Broadway had it in 2019:

QueenAlice said: "I wouldn't really suspect this production to come to the states unless its an absolute triumph."

This.

Sher wouldn't be my first or even fifth choice to direct this musical comedy, but maybe it will help him reset after the disasters of Camelot and Photos from Home.

Wonder what version of the book it will use?

One observation that I find kind of interesting -- when Sher was going to direct the revival of FUNNY GIRL, apparently Stephanie Block was the finalist for the role, and was privately shocked when Lauren Ambrose was announced at the 11th hour instead. That revival didn't happen, but Sher used Ambrose as Eliza in MY FAIR LADY. Going back to PIAZZA, Sher fired Ceila Keenan Bolger, but later hired her to play Scout in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Now Sher has come back to Block with a star role with KISS ME KATE.

I guess the lesson is - if you're a leading lady, and it doesn't work out with Sher the first time, he comes back around!

Jeffrey Karasarides said: "Then again, we've had 2 Broadway revivals of La Cage aux Folles that took place within 5 years. Same with Gypsy."

I am unclear if any of those productions broke even.  I seem to recall that the Peters Gypsy did, and the better reviewed Lupone production came nowhere close.  I really don’t think that KMK is as ‘loved’ as Gypsy or La Cagr, but that may just be me.

i have never seen SJB live.  I did not think she had the kind of voice required for Lili.  Does she???

Neither GYPSY (03, 08) or LA CAGE (04, 10) revival recouped on Broadway. La Cage might have made a bit on the road, though it had a not-small weekly running cost for its deer-in-the-headlights star, George Hamilton.

Maybe this will be ATG’s next big revival. After Cabaret and Sunset, they’re gonna need something else. Since clearly they don’t do new musicals. 

Probably like a 15 year age difference. The Dunbar casting is so bizarre. 

Block's casting brings to mind the scrapped production that was slated to be staged in the 80s starring Patti LuPone and Kevin Kline. That really would've been something. 

Her vocals will probably be similar to those of Rachel York in the Great Performances taping- wish I could go to London to see this!

He is much too old for the role for me, but he may sell tickets in London.

Thanks so much!

Updated On: 1/19/24 at 07:19 AM