Kiss Me, Kate

NEGLECTED MUSICALS presents…

Cole Porter’s legendary musical comedy KISS ME, KATE comes to Foundry Theatre in April 2025.

Based on Taming of the Shrew, this treasured 1940s musical takes us to Broadway’s backstage with chorus boys and singing gangsters – not to mention a romance that’s just too darn hot –with Cole Porter classics Brush Up Your Shakespeare, Too Darn Hot, Always True To You (In my Fashion) and Tom, Dick or Harry, and So In Love feature in this all singing all dancing musical comedy.

KISS ME, KATE is a simple love story about two people who just can’t stand each other, or can they? The conflict on and off-stage between Fred Graham, the show's director, producer, and star, and his leading lady, his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi. This ultimate golden age musical will be directed by Lisa Callingham with musical direction by David Gardos. Cast announced soon.

Not seen in Sydney since the 1950s, KISS ME, KATE will be presented by Neglected Musicals. Since 2010 Neglected Musicals has presented musicals that are seldom or never seen in Australia. The performers rehearse for one day and perform scripts in hand with piano accompaniment. There have been 28 Neglected Musicals presentations.

Age recommendation: 7+

Amy Lehpamer takes centre stage as Lilli/Kate.Last seen as Anne Hathaway in & Juliet, Amy’s impressive credits include School of Rock, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Dusty, and The Sound of Music (as Maria).

Joshua Robson stars as Fred/Petruchio. Audiences will recognise him from his standout performances as Quasimodo in Quasimodo the Musical, Count Carl in A Little Night Music, and the Phantom in The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour.

Chaska Halliday will bring Lois/Bianca to life. Chaska recently wowed audiences in Tina – The Tina Turner Musical and played La Chocolat in the original Australian cast of Moulin Rouge! The Musical.

Ryan González plays Bill. A true triple-threat performer, Ryan is currently touring with Peter and The Starcatcher and is known for their roles as Santiago in Moulin Rouge! The Musical and Frankie Valli in the national tour of Jersey Boys.

Fans of the film will fondly remember the two scene-stealing gangsters who perform Brush Up Your Shakespeare-These roles will be played by: Justin Smith (Playing Our Song, The Dismissal, Billy Elliot) and Octavia Barron Martin (The Dismissal, Nice Work If You Can Get It).

Joining them in this dazzling production are Catty Hamilton, Todd Goddard, Jamie Reisin, Nicole Vella, and Seryan Burke-Low.

“Kiss Me, Kate” is presented by arrangement with ORiGiN™ Theatrical on behalf of Tams-Witmark LLC, A Concord Theatricals Company.

Find out more about Accessibility and Companion Card bookings at Foundry Theatre.