Music students and actors from the community will join theatre students on stage in the latest Missouri Southern production.

Kiss Me Kate is a backstage storyline of William Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew, said Dr. Alex Pinkston, associate professor of theatre.

Pinkston, director of the musical, said the play is a period piece set in the 1950s. It revolves around a production of The Taming of the Shrew starring a divorced couple, Fred and Lilli.

“At some point in the production, Lilli decides she has to leave so that she can marry her fiancé who’s a Southern politician,” Pinkston said. “So Fred does all he can to keep her there.”

He said the plot of the musical and the plot of Shakespeare’s play involve similar situations.

“It’s really interesting how the stories parallel each other,” said Rachel Weisensee, senior theatre major.

Weisensee, who plays Lilli, said Lilli is a veteran actress, and her and Fred are still in love but have to deal with their egos. She said Lilli tries her best not to appear like she still loves him.

David Wallace, senior music major, plays opposite Weisensee. He said Fred is an ever-striving actor in his mid 40s who never attained the stardom he thinks he has, but he has the talent to “get him into these shows.”

He said Southern’s production is a “pretty straight-forward rendering of the musical” and has many “energetic” numbers in it.

“This was actually the first show I ever saw on Broadway so it’s really one of my favorites,” Weisensee said.

“This production is fantastic,” Wallace said. “You cannot ask for a better composer than Porter. He’s just got a great satirical view on especially lyrical matters.”

Pinkston said about half the actors are theatre students and half music students, and some actors from the community also have parts in the musical.

“The actors are great,” he said. “Highly talented.”

“We have a lot of talent that fit the role,” Wallace said. “It’s definitely an all-together production.”

Kiss Me Kate opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Taylor Auditorium and runs until April 17. Tickets are $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens and high school and non-Southern college students, $3 for faculty and staff and $2 for Southern students with their IDs and children.

“Pay attention to the plot,” Wallace said, “because it’ll throw you.”

The production is only open to those five and older. For information or to make reservations, call 625-3190.