"Kiss Me, Kate" Brings Shakespeare to Life with Comedy and Flair at The Peacock Performing Arts Center

Photo by Pam Roman: L to R: The cast of "Kiss Me Kate": Ashley Eller, Cameron LeJeune, Ed Legue, Holly Smith, Ashley Elver, Walter Whitlock, Dylan Mason, Inis Dixon, David Layfield, Leta Reeves, Monya Seibert, Teresa Lemaire, Scott Nelson, Ben March

By Harrison Keely

Guest Writer

A show within a show. A battle of exes. And a whole lot of Cole Porter. “Kiss Me, Kate,” the toe-tapping musical comedy that marries Shakespeare with 1950s backstage Broadway flair, opens July 18 at Hayesville’s Peacock Performing Arts Center—and the cast promises you won’t want to miss a moment.

The musical follows Fred Graham (Ashley Eller of Hiawassee), a pompous director starring alongside his fiery ex-wife, Lilli Vanessi (Ashley Elver of Young Harris), in a musical adaptation of “The Taming of the Shrew.” Onstage and off, their explosive chemistry leads to mistaken identities, backstage chaos, and unexpected romance. “Fred is conceited and winging it all on his own dime,” says Eller, a Peacock veteran since 1993. “He knows casting his ex-wife is a bad idea—but he also knows she can act.”

Elver calls Lilli “a quick-tempered leading lady with wit, elegance, and emotional depth.” Because the lead actors share such similar names, Elver says rehearsals could get confusing. “We’re usually called ‘Ashley girl’ and ‘Ashley boy’ to keep things straight. If someone yells ‘Ashley’ and it sounds negative, I assume they’re talking to him,” she jokes.

The cast is packed with talent, including Atlanta-based performer Holly Smith, spending her summer in Hiawassee. Smith brings sass and sparkle to the roles of Lois and Bianca. “I grew up loving the movie musical, so this has been a full-circle moment,” she says. Teresa Lemaire of Murphy plays Hattie, Lilli’s loyal confidante. “Hattie’s also my nickname in real life,” Lemaire says.

Scene-stealing gangsters are played by Ben March of Hayesville and Scott Nelson of Blue Ridge, while Ed Legue of Murphy brings charm to Baptista. “I get to wear tights,” he laughs. “What more could you want?”

Rounding out the cast are Walter Whitlock (Bill/Lucentio), Dylan Mason (Gremio), Inis Dixon (Hortensio/Paul), Monya Seibert (Rachel), David Layfield (Pops/Priest), and Leta Reeves (Wardrobe Lady/Paula). Cameron LeJeune, who plays General Howell, also serves as the show’s music director.

With timeless tunes and a cast full of passion and personality, this summer musical offers double the drama and double the laughs.

“Kiss Me, Kate” runs July 18–20 and 25–27 at the Peacock, 301 Church St., Hayesville. Friday/Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. For detailed information call the box office at 828-389-2787 or visit us online at thepeacocknc.org. The Peacock is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and an equal opportunity provider and employer.