'Kiss Me, Kate' Opens Friday at Solon Center for the Arts

It's just "another openin', another show," as the actors in Kiss Me, Kate would say. The Solon Center for the Arts is proud to present the opening of the play at 7:30 Friday night.

It's the first of three plays in the center's Signature Series.

"We wanted to pick something that would really fit our audience," said Karen Prasser, executive director of the center. She also plays piano for the musical. "The purpose is to provide a venue for our local talent."

The Signature Series, which also includes Madame Butterfly and The Christmas Carol Rag, is funded by Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Kiss Me, Kate is often called a show within a show because the play is about actors playing in Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew. Out of the roughly 40 people who auditioned, 16 will take the stage Friday night. Providing the music are 14 professional musicians conducted by Kerry Glann. The play's original music and lyrics were written by Cole Porter.

"I love the era in which this play is set," Prasser said. "I love the 1940s and '50s, and the music is Cole Porter at his finest. You can't leave the theater without humming one of the tunes."

Christine Madden, 28, is a member of the ensemble. She is also the arts programming specialist for the center.

"I really wanted to get back into performing again," Madden said. "But it's difficult for me to find shows outside of here to make time for. So since I'm here all the time, I thought, 'Why not?'"

Madden thinks the plays are a great way for the center's students to learn about being in show biz.

"It brings something for the students to aspire to," she said. "And it's great for the city culturally."

James Love, 42, plays the duel role of Fred Graham and Petruchio. He auditioned because he has sung many of the songs in the past, and he thought this would be the perfect role.

"I was excited to get in on it," Love said. "(Cole) Porter is one of the most celebrated writers of musicals and music. It's a great piece to get out. It's a lot of fun."

There is also a showing on May 14 at 7:30 p.m. and on May 15 at 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for seniors and are available in the center lobby. There is a theater preview 45 minutes before the show where the audience can learn more about the play and a reception will follow the shows to meet the actors.

If you're looking for a good dinner beforehand, the center has teamed up with Harvest Kitchen and Lounge to offer a special dinner theater package which includes an appetizer or salad, choice of entree, dessert and a beverage for $30 per person. For reservations, call 440-349-6520.