Kiss Me Kate Songs: A Complete Guide to the Musical’s Soundtrack
Kiss Me Kate songs are some of the most memorable in musical theatre history. Written by the legendary Cole Porter, this 1948 show combines wit, romance, and a touch of Shakespearean flair.
The story follows Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi, a divorced couple who find themselves starring together in a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. As the lines between their onstage and offstage lives blur, the result is a hilarious and heartfelt production filled with unforgettable music.
In this guide, we’ll take you through every song in the musical, in order, so you know exactly what to expect.
Key Takeaways
- The Story Behind the Songs: Learn how Cole Porter’s clever lyrics and catchy melodies bring the characters of Fred Graham, Lilli Vanessi, and Bill Calhoun to life.
- Iconic Tracks: Discover standout numbers like “So in Love”, “Too Darn Hot”, and “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”, and why they’ve stood the test of time.
- Character Connections: Understand how the songs reflect the relationships between the characters, from Lilli’s heartbreak to Fred’s charm.
The Songs of Kiss Me Kate
Here’s a breakdown of every Kiss Me Kate song, in the order they appear in the show.
Each song is a mix of humour, romance, and drama, making the musical a true classic.
“Another Op’nin’, Another Show”
This opening number sets the scene for the chaos of a theatre production. The cast and crew are preparing for the opening night of their musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. It’s a lively, upbeat song that captures the excitement and nerves of show business.
“Why Can’t You Behave”
Lois is frustrated with her boyfriend, Bill Calhoun, who has a gambling problem. This catchy tune is both playful and poignant, as Lois wonders why Bill can’t just behave himself.
“Wunderbar”
This charming duet sees Fred and Lilli reminiscing about their past together. They recall their days performing in an operetta, and the song highlights their lingering chemistry. It’s a nostalgic moment that adds depth to their complicated relationship.
“So in Love”
One of the most famous Kiss Me Kate songs, this ballad is a heartfelt confession of Lilli’s enduring love for Fred. Despite their divorce and her engagement to Harrison Howell, she can’t deny her feelings. The song is lush, emotional, and beautifully written.
“We Open in Venice”
This lively number introduces the audience to the play-within-a-play. The cast portrays a troupe of actors performing The Taming of the Shrew in Venice. It’s a fun, theatrical song that sets the stage for the Shakespearean antics to come.
“Tom, Dick, or Harry”
In this playful number, Bianca is courted by three suitors. Each man tries to win her over, but Bianca isn’t ready to commit. The song is filled with clever wordplay and showcases the comedic side of the show.
“I’ve Come to Wive It Wealthily in Padua”
Petruchio’s bold declaration of his intentions to marry for money is both funny and revealing. It’s a great character moment that sets up his dynamic with Kate.
“I Hate Men”
This fiery number is a showstopper. Kate vents her frustrations about men, listing all the reasons she despises them. It’s a bold, humorous song that allows the actress playing Kate to really shine.
“Were Thine That Special Face”
In this romantic serenade, Petruchio tries to win Kate over with flattery. The song is sweet and melodic, showing a softer side to Fred’s character.
“Kiss Me, Kate”
The title song is a pivotal moment in the show. As Petruchio demands a kiss from Kate, the tension between Fred and Lilli reaches its peak. The song is both dramatic and comedic, blending the onstage and offstage drama.
“Too Darn Hot”
This sizzling number opens Act II and is one of the most iconic Kiss Me Kate songs. The cast and crew take a break backstage, and the song’s jazzy, energetic vibe is impossible to resist.
“Where is the Life That Late I Led”
Petruchio reflects on his wild bachelor days and how they compare to his new life as a married man. The song is witty and full of clever references, showcasing Cole Porter’s lyrical genius.
“Always True to You in My Fashion”
Lois explains her unique approach to fidelity in this cheeky, innuendo-filled song. It’s a fan favourite, thanks to its clever lyrics and playful tone.
“Bianca”
Bill sings this charming tune to Lois, comparing her to her onstage character, Bianca. It’s a sweet, light-hearted moment that adds to the show’s romantic subplot.
“So in Love (Reprise)”
Fred gets his chance to sing this beautiful ballad, expressing his love for Lilli. The reprise is emotional and heartfelt, showing a different side to his character.
“Brush Up Your Shakespeare”
This hilarious number is a highlight of the show. The gangsters, who are chasing Bill for his gambling debts, decide to brush up on their Shakespeare to impress the ladies. It’s a clever, laugh-out-loud song that audiences love.
“I Am Ashamed That Women Are So Simple”
In this final speech, Kate reflects on the role of women in marriage. The song has been updated in recent revivals to reflect modern sensibilities, but it remains a powerful moment in the show.
“Kiss Me Kate (Reprise)”
The show ends with a joyful reprise of the title song, as Fred and Lilli reconcile and the cast celebrates a successful performance.
Overall
The Kiss Me Kate songs are a perfect blend of humour, romance, and drama. From the heartfelt “So in Love” to the hilarious “Brush Up Your Shakespeare”, each number adds something special to the show.
Whether you’re a fan of Cole Porter’s music or just love a good musical, Kiss Me Kate is a timeless classic that continues to delight audiences.
FAQs
Who sings the song “Kiss Me” in Kiss Me Kate?
The title song, “Kiss Me, Kate”, is sung by Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi during the play-within-a-play.
What is the most famous song from Kiss Me Kate?
“So in Love” is arguably the most famous song from the show, known for its beautiful melody and emotional depth.
Is Kiss Me Kate based on a Shakespeare play?
Yes, the musical is inspired by The Taming of the Shrew, with the characters performing a musical version of the play.
Who wrote the music for Kiss Me Kate?
The music and lyrics were written by Cole Porter, one of the most celebrated composers in musical theatre history.
What is the story of Kiss Me Kate?
The show follows divorced couple Fred Graham and Lilli Vanessi as they star in a musical version of The Taming of the Shrew. Their offstage drama mirrors the onstage action, leading to plenty of comedic and romantic moments.
