Comments on: The Kiss Me Kate In Concert non-review

By: Darren McKinney, Washington, D.C.

Darren McKinney, Washington, D.C. — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:09:41 +0000

As one who, perhaps, traveled farther than any other member of the audience to see and wholeheartedly enjoy Saturday’s evening show (with Asa Somers more than capably replacing the injured Chris Durang in the role of Gangster #1), my only quibble with Mr. Arnott’s review here is its curious failure to mention the brilliant, team-building talents and heroic efforts of producer Amber Edwards and director Mark Vietor, without which this show never would have happened.

Taking nothing away from David Charles Abell’s musical scholarship in researching and reconstructing this original Porter score, or his delightful performance in leading a large and quickly cobbled-together orchestra of wonderful but under-rehearsed professionals and college amateurs, it was Edwards who convinced Yale administrators to get behind and fund this production, and it was Vietor who casted, coached and cajoled the performers who came together so memorably.

This fan of musical theater hopes very much that Edwards and Vietor, friends and collaborators since their own youthful days at Yale, will again — and soon — combine to project their now matured talents and skill-sets beyond the New Haven campus and bring us additional brilliance for years to come.

By: Gary Jenkins

Gary Jenkins — Mon, 21 Jan 2013 22:24:46 +0000

I READ SOMEWHERE THAT THERE WILL BE A CD OF THIS PERFORMANCE COMING OUT IN THE FUTURE. IS THERE ANYWAY I CAN BE NOTIFIED WHEN IT’S AVAILABLE? I SAW, AND LOVED THE EVENING PERFORMANCE AND WOULD LIKE A FEW COPIES FOR MYSELF AND SOME FRIENDS.

THANKKS!!!!

By: David Garnes

David Garnes — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 21:22:30 +0000

Your review hit all the high spots, and thanks for the informative comments on the manner in which the music was presented. Loved the “big band” sound. I don’t think the score ever sounded better, thanksalso to the expert singers in the four lead roles and everyone else who belted out the tunes.
I happened to be sitting in row D, stage right, and saw and heard (ouch) Christopher Durang’s unfortunate fall late in the 2nd act “up close.” I hope he’s recovering well. His exit down the aisle on a stretcher amidst the appaluse of one and all and a “thank you” wave from Mr. Durang helped allow for a return to the last few minutes of the show on an “up” note.
I hope to see more of the Cole Porter celebration as the year goes on.