Theatre Thursday- Kiss Me, Kate

Publicity shot for Kiss Me, Kate

Kiss Me, Kate was the first musical in which I have performed.  I played Lois/Bianca and it was a lot of work but very fun. It was put on by the Gilbert Fine Arts Association and directed by the same man who directed The Hasty Heart. It seemed that we had several obstacles put in our path to put on this show but it was fun nonetheless.  It is a show about a theatre group that puts on a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. This is what Chris Page from the East Valley Tribune had to say about my performance:

 ...a lovely actress and Hale Centre Theatre regular who earlier confessed to me she was more nervous about her singing than doing scenes of Shakespeare — proved she’s got worthy stage pipes and a command of the stage that allows her to walk away with the show in ditties like "Always True to You (In My Fashion). 
(I can link you to the full article upon request.)

I wasn't just nervous. I was terrified.  I had been extensively trained in performing Shakespeare but had just started some vocal lessons.  Now, it was not a perfect performance. I listen and watch it now and I can see areas for improvement.  I always think I can do better and try to do better. I think I would change some of my vocal choices now but, it was what it was.

On the night that Chris Page saw the show, I was a mess before hand.  Then something clicked and I didn't care anymore. I decided to go out there and give it my all.  I wish I had a copy of that performance so that I could compare it to the one I've got.  It was electrifying.

Vocally, I don't feel that "Always True to You" was my strongest song in the show.  But, it seems to be the only one that I can pull off of the DVD at the moment, so you are stuck with it.

So here it is for your viewing pleasure?

And part two:

By the way, the guy you hear laughing at times is my good friend Jere.  Thoughts? Criticisms?  All are appreciated.