No, Kiss Me, Kate is not the same as The Taming of the Shrew; rather, it is a critically acclaimed 1948 musical that is based on William Shakespeare's classic comedy. While the musical draws heavily from Shakespeare's plot and characters, it reinterprets and modernizes the story, adding its own unique framing device and musical numbers.
Understanding the Relationship
Kiss Me, Kate is a "play within a play" musical, where a theatrical company attempts to stage a musical adaptation of The Taming of the Shrew. This clever meta-narrative allows the musical to explore the themes of Shakespeare's original play while also commenting on the complexities of show business, relationships, and gender dynamics in the mid-20th century.
- The Taming of the Shrew: An original play by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written between 1590 and 1592. It is famously known for its controversial depiction of the volatile relationship between Petruchio and Katherina.
- Kiss Me, Kate: A musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and book by Samuel and Bella Spewack. It premiered in 1948 and features two intertwining plots: the onstage performance of Shakespeare's play and the offstage romantic entanglements of the actors.
Key Differences and Similarities
While sharing a foundational narrative, the two works diverge significantly in their format, context, and specific plot elements.
| Feature | The Taming of the Shrew (Shakespeare's Play) | Kiss Me, Kate (1948 Musical) |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Stage play (straight drama/comedy) | Musical theatre (incorporates songs, dances, and a book) |
| Authorship | William Shakespeare | Music & Lyrics by Cole Porter; Book by Samuel & Bella Spewack |
| Setting | Padua, Italy (16th Century) | Baltimore, USA (1948), plus the "onstage" Padua setting |
| Primary Plot | Petruchio's efforts to "tame" the headstrong Katherina | The production of a musical version of Taming of the Shrew, intertwined with the offstage romance of its lead actors, Fred Graham (Petruchio) and Lilli Vanessi (Katherina) |
| Musical Numbers | None | Features iconic songs like "Another Op'nin', Another Show," "Too Darn Hot," and "Brush Up Your Shakespeare" |
| Framing Device | The Induction (a drunken tinker named Sly is tricked into thinking he is a lord watching a play) | The meta-narrative of a touring theatrical company performing the play, with real-life actor drama mirroring the stage plot |
Shared Themes and Enduring Controversies
Both works, despite their differences, grapple with similar themes, particularly those related to gender roles, love, and societal expectations. The Taming of the Shrew is often referred to as one of Shakespeare's "problem plays" because of its highly debated depiction of gender dynamics and Katherina's eventual submission.
The musical Kiss Me, Kate brought these discussions into a new light. Its 1948 debut, and subsequent revivals, prompted renewed examination of the inherent sexism perceived in Shakespeare's original story and how it was presented in a modern context. This ongoing conversation highlights the timeless, albeit often uncomfortable, nature of the themes both the play and the musical address.
Why the Distinction Matters
Understanding that Kiss Me, Kate is an adaptation rather than an identical retelling is crucial for appreciating both works on their own merits.
- It allows audiences to recognize how Shakespeare's stories can be reinterpreted and made relevant for different eras.
- It highlights the creative process of adaptation, showing how a new artistic vision can comment on, challenge, or even soften the original material.
- It provides a lens through which to discuss the evolution of societal views on gender and relationships, particularly how these issues were perceived in the mid-20th century versus the Elizabethan era.
