Kiss Me, Kate, labeled as Cole Porters greatest musical comedy, will open at the Barbican Theatre from the 4th June. Today it was announced that Olivier nominee Charlie Stemp (Crazy For You, Mary Poppins) and rising star Georgina Onuorah (The Wizard of Oz, Oklahoma!) will join the cast. They join previously announced, multi award-winning actor Adrian Dunbar, and Broadway royalty Stephanie J. Block.
Charlie Stemp will be bringing his impressive tap-dancing skills to the role of the gambler Bill Calhoun/Lucentia, whist Georgina Onuorah will bring her soaring voice to the role of Lois Lane/Bianca.
Charlie Stemp said: “Kiss Me, Kate has always been a favourite show of mine, so to get the chance to return to the West End so soon in this title and specifically opposite Adrian Dunbar, Stephanie J. Block and Georgina Onuorah is a dream come true.”
Georgina Onuorah said: “I am thrilled to be involved in this reimagined Kiss Me, Kate – with a Lois/Bianca that looks like me! Bart Sher is a remarkable director and I am so excited to get working on this beloved musical with this wonderful team.”
Producer Howard Panter commented: “I’m delighted that the dynamic Charlie Stemp and Georgina Onuorah are joining the cast of Kiss Me, Kate. Their youthful energy and exceptional talents will bring an exciting vibrancy to Cole Porter’s timeless masterpiece. Kiss Me, Kate is the perfect summer treat for London audiences this year. It’s fun, infectious and pure entertainment – it’s musical theatre at its very best.”
One of the all-time classic musical comedy farces, Kiss Me, Kate is making a long-awaited return to the London stage. From the producer of the smash hit musical Anything Goes and A Strange Loop (both staged at the Barbican), this majestic production of Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece is set dazzle West End audiences once again this summer.
Directed by Bartlett Sher (The King and I, South Pacific and To Kill A Mockingbird), this all-star creative team have collectively won a remarkable 20 Tony awards between them. Joining the dynamic creative team is renowned choreographer Anthony Van Laast, accomplished costume designer Catherine Zuber and leading set designer Michael Yeargan. With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and the original book by Bella & Samuel Spewack, this new production, promises a symphony of wit, charm and musical brilliance. With a company of over 50, including a full-scale orchestra, and featuring Cole Porter classics such as ‘Another Op’nin‘, Another Show’, ‘Brush Up Your Shakespeare’, ‘Tom, Dick or Harry’ and ‘It’s Too Darn Hot’ Kiss Me, Kate is the perfect musical spectacle for 2024.