CENTERVILLE—Mix a little bit of Shakespeare with some behind the scenes romantic squabbles and what follows is the delightful musical comedy “Kiss Me Kate.” The CenterPoint Theatre production centers around the backstage antics of a touring company performing “Taming of the Shrew.” 

The two lead characters, Lilli Vanessi and her ex-husband Fred Graham butt heads every time they’re together both on and off stage while still carrying a torch for each other. When Lilli gets a bouquet from Fred made up of the same flowers as she had on her wedding day she’s delighted that he remembered. What she doesn’t know is that they were meant for a pretty young cast member Fred has had his eye on.

Once the mistake is revealed, Lilli threatens to quit the production and leave with her fiancé General Harrison Howell to Washington. Fred knows he has to stop her or the play will be finished. In the meantime, two thugs show up to collect a debt that Fred doesn’t owe because someone else forged his name on the IOU. In a stroke of genius, Fred enlists the men to scare Lilli into staying with the show.

Lilli reluctantly plays her part as Katharine the Shrew but uses the character to get back at Fred for his infidelity. The pair spar back and forth on stage then pick up where they left off backstage. 

Kiss Me Kate is filled with upbeat music including “Tom, Dick or Harry,” “I Hate Men” and “Too Darn Hot.” 

Addison Welch (MWF) gives a great performance playing the philandering Fred Graham/Petruchio as he tries to make amends with Lilli Vanessi/Katharine played by Michelle Blake (MWF). The chemistry between them sizzles and their voices are superb. Blake shows off her musical talent, hitting some operatic high notes as the Shrew. Welch matches it in his rendition of “Kiss Me Kate.”

Keely Parry (MWF) stirs up trouble as vixen Lois Lane/Bianca who has every man vying for her attention. Kaltin Michael Kirby (MWF) is the long-suffering Baptista who is just trying to marry off his difficult daughter Katharine. So when Petruchio comes along, he’s willing to make any kind of deal to get him to take her off his hands. Throw in the thugs, played by Jeremy Botelho and Brandon Garside (MWF) who disguise themselves as characters in the play to keep Lilli in line and comedy ensues. 

A great cast of singers and dancers, including a fun tap number, has the audience humming along and tapping their toes too. 

With plenty of laughs as mistaken identities cause confusion and romantic mixups, “Kiss Me Kate” has just the right formula for a wonderful summer night’s entertainment.

“Kiss Me Kate” runs through July 13 Monday – Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees at 3:30 p.m. Ticket prices range from $21.50-$39.50 and can be purchased online at CPTUtah.org, 801-298-1302 or at the box office, 525 N. 400 West, Centerville.