The Annapolis Chorale -

The Annapolis Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of J. Ernest Green, opens its 35^th anniversary season on Friday and Saturday, October 5-6, at Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts with the Tony Award-winning “Kiss Me, Kate,” one of musical theater’s wittiest hits. The program features the Chorale’s signature combination of fully-staged play and concert and includes a full orchestra, chorus and soloists/actors. Based on Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew,” “Kiss Me, Kate” drops in on a troupe of actors preparing to open a show in Baltimore who are entangled with gangsters and in tempestuous love relationships. Among the show’s most memorable songs are “Another Openin’ Another Show,” “Wunderbar,” “Brush Up Your Shakespeare,” “Too Darn Hot” and “So in Love.”Singing the wonderful music and lyrics of Cole Porter are Ashleigh Rabbitt (Lily/Kate), Shouvik Mondle (Fred/Petruchio), Katie Hale (Lois Lane/Bianca) and Matt Hardy (Bill Calhoun/Lucentio). Members of the Annapolis Chorale will also appear in supporting roles.

The Chorale’s popular “Broadway in Annapolis” performances combine the best of concert and fully staged performances, using a full orchestra, chorus, soloists, costumes and props. Fans of the theatre and music lovers alike may hear these musicals as they were meant to be heard, with a full orchestra. The Chorale offers two opportunities to see “Kiss Me, Kate,” Friday’s Casual Friday event at 7:30 p.m. that includes a question-and-answer session with the cast and Saturday’s 8 p.m. performance.

Tickets are on sale now at the Maryland Hall Box office by phone (410-280-5640) or online www.marylandhall.org.