Kiss Me Kate Beyond the Curtain

Penn’s Theater is performing their production of “Kiss Me Kate” this weekend, March 3rd and 4th at 7 pm and March 5th at 3 pm. The lead actors, Bryce Yoder and Anna Vukmirovich, both class of 2017, give PNN reporters a behind-the-scenes look at their work.

“It centers around this performance of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Taming of the Shrew,’” Yoder explains. “Everybody in the cast is their normal character, [in Kiss Me Kate] but everyone also has their ‘Taming of the Shrew’ character that they play… It’s through a more modern lense of Shakespeare.”

As everyone scrambles around to prepare for their big day, Vukmirovich shines light on her biggest obstacles to overcome. “Learning my lines has been super hard because I don’t have much experience acting.” Yoder seems to have the same problem, “[My character] has some ridiculous monologues… it’s difficult to memorize, but really rewarding when you get them right.”

The atmosphere behind the curtain has students addicted. Vukmirovich shares her love with a slight smile, “It’s really fun… It’s laidback so it’s nice.”  “It’s a really great crowd to be around.” Bryce Yoder smiles, “everybody involved in the performance are pretty good friends.”

The students’ hard work is about to finally pay off. Rehearsals will end this week. The performance is expected to be very exciting. “Things have gone better than people have expected them to,” affirms Yoder. Mrs. Black grins, “It has been fun to see everything come together.”

‘Kiss Me Kate’ has required hard work and dedication, just like any play. Mrs. Black advises, “It’s always great to swallow your fear, and audition.” Tickets are available to purchase at lunch or order online here. Support Penn Theater at one of the three performances this weekend!