Cole Porter’s “Kiss Me Kate”  has returned to the show’s historic Philadelphia roots in a new Quintessence Theatre production of the Tony Award-winning musical that tells the story of a divorced celebrity couple forced to work together on the Broadway stage.

Opening Dec. 6 and running through Jan. 5 at Quintessence in Mt. Airy, the original production opened in a 1948 pre-Broadway tryout at what is now the Miller Theater in Center City. With its jazz, dancing and slapstick comedy, the  musical, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,”  went on to win the very first Tony Award for best musical in 1949.

The Quintessence production stars a cast of Philadelphia and regional actors and dancers including Bucks County native Chris Cherin who plays Fred Graham, one of the show’s battling exes. In the interview below, Cherin discusses the production and what he calls the show’s “textbook execution of genuine musical comedy.”

This interview has been lightly edited for space and clarity. 

Q: Tell me about your role as Fred Graham. What is his importance to the story?

Fred is described in the script as the actor, director, producer, and “superman” of the production. And boy, would he certainly agree with that last part of the description! This man is domineering, misogynistic, and egotistical. But, he is also passionate, intelligent, and searching for some greater purpose that often feels out of reach. Although he has been a working actor for most of his life, Fred now finds himself on his last dollar, seizing one final chance to mount a production worthy of the interest of potential investors. Fred appears to be overly confident and emotionally untouchable, but we come to know him as a man who is afraid and nervous. As pieces of his production begin to unravel, Fred tries desperately to uphold this mirage of excellence and professionalism, both within the show and within himself. As he deals with all of this, he simultaneously must navigate the lingering love and therefore constant frustration that disperses between his co-star and ex-wife, Lilli.

Q: Why did you want to be a part of Quintessence Theatre's production of “Kiss Me Kate” ?

I found the audition for this production online and noticed that Todd Underwood was signed on to be the director. I worked with Todd on “Jersey Boys” in the summer of 2023 in Hilton Head, SC. My experience with him was nothing short of inspiring. It’s unfortunately rare in this business to meet and work with directors that are equally as dedicated to their artistic vision as they are to connecting with their actors on a compassionate, human level. He treats everyone as equal and significant pieces to a larger creativity-charged puzzle. I was also excited to work at Quintessence because it is very close to where I grew up in Bucks County. I’ve never worked professionally in Philadelphia and it was a notable milestone for me in my career. I knew that given the close proximity, I could share this work with my mom, family, and many good friends.

“Kiss Me Kate” won the very first Tony Award for best musical. In what ways do you think this show is worthy of that first award?

This show is in many ways the textbook execution of genuine musical comedy. There are endless moments of over-the-top hilarity, tempered with meaningful and honest human experiences. The design of the script makes it accessible for every audience member regardless of age or status. I also believe it could be argued that Cole Porter was perhaps the greatest musical theater composer of his time. His songs are creative, yet straightforward, easy to understand and sing along to. His genius is evident in how every song seems to get stuck in your head after listening. The show almost marks the beginning of a new era of musical theatre that we now refer to as the Golden Age. What preserves the significance of this era is the dedication to storytelling, in addition to catchy songs and spectacular dance numbers. 

Q: Do you have a favorite song in the show? What styles of music will audiences hear?

Wow, that’s a tough one! I think all audiences, regardless if they are avid theater-goers, will come to realize they know most of the songs in this show. Songs like “Another Op’ning, Another Show,” “So in Love” and  “Too Darn Hot” have been performed in and out of the context of  “Kiss Me Kate” for decades. If I had to pick just one as my favorite, I would say “Where is the Life that Late I Led?” but I could be biased about that one.

Q: What do you hope audiences take away from this show?

A: I think in a world of uncertainty, misinformation, oppression, and paranoia, we all deserve a chance to smile and laugh. In many ways, this show is a “feel-good” musical with the power to positively shift an audience’s mood no matter how they arrive. I hope people sit back, relax, and just enjoy a night out at the theater. There is no art form with this kind of once-in-a-lifetime impermanence, spontaneity, and performer-to-audience connection. I hope we all feel closer, that our short-comings and challenges are shared rather than isolated, and we can live as one in our discovery and practice of authenticity.

“Kiss Me Kate” officially opens Dec. 6 and runs through Jan. 5. For information and tickets, visit quintessencetheatre.org. The theater company’s performance venue, the historic Sedgwick Theater is at 7137 Germantown Ave.