Photo by Chris Christiansen
Husband and wife team Janine Gulisano-Sunday and her husband Russell Sunday spank, scream, dance, fight, throw things and sing their way through a thoroughly entertaining production of Cole Porter’s Tony Award Winning Musical-Within-A Musical Kiss Me Kate-The Taming Of The Shrew meets backstage theatre life-at Toby’s-The Dinner Theatre of Columbia.
With hysterical support from two-time great Helen Hayes Award Winner David James (The Wizard of Oz and Godspell), and Robert Biedermann as the Brush Up Your Shakespeare Gangsters, and Debra Buonaccorsi as Bianca/Lois, the show is a hoot!
Photo by Chris Christiansen
Two-time Helen Hayes award-winner Ilona Kessel’s (Ragtime and
42 Second Street) choreography is Too Darn Hot, and is performed with great energy by an ensemble of great dancers, lead by standouts Larry Munsey (Paul/Gremio), Jeffrey Shankle (Bill/Lucentio), and Kevin Laughon (Nathaniel/Hortensio). It’s so energetic that you’ll be holding onto your Tom, Dick or Harry as the athletic dancers jump near and around you.
The costumes designed by Larry Munsey, and David Hopkin’s set design are bright, colorful and eye-popping. Lynn Joslin’s lighting is simply beautiful, and brings out the wonderful colors that surround the stage. Chris Youstra leads a talented orchestra with his usual polish.
I sat down with Janine Gulisano-Sunday and Russell Sunday after the press night performance on Friday, September 15th to discuss their roles in Kiss Me Kate, the rehearsal process and their many shows they have performed at Toby’s in Columbia and Baltimore.
You’re in for a treat-Listen to Janine and Russell sing a wonderful snippet of WUNDERBAR!
That interview really "sings"! As with a play or musical where everything falls into place, yet never bores or sounds staged, I could (and probably will) listen to it again, just for the pleasure of hearing the remarkable interplay between Joel, Janine, and Russell. Can’t wait to see "Kate" at Toby’s!
Not much else to say except……wunderbar! Wie immer! Or, if you prefer, “too damn hot….” Great job!