The Theater: New Musical in Manhattan, Jan. 10, 1949
Kiss Me, Kate (music & lyrics by Cole Porter; book by Bella & Sam Spewack; produced by Arnold Saint Subber & Lemuel Ayers) was 1948's last new show, and by far its best musical. It is only a musical, and not, like Oklahoma!, a milestone as well. But if nothing about it is revolutionary, everything is right. Full-blooded and sassy and enormously gay, Kiss Me, Kate can brag about its music at least, without blushing for its book; it looks pretty, moves fast, is full of bright ideas and likable people.
Shakespeare and show...
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