After holding an outdoor spring musical in 2021 because of the pandemic, Downingtown West High School (DWHS) Music Theatre will bring back its traditional spring musical presentation with a performance of "Kiss Me, Kate." The play, which is opening at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 31, will be presented on Friday and Saturday, April 1 and 2, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 3, at 2 p.m. at the DWHS, 445 Manor Ave., Downingtown.

The play, with music by Cole Porter and a book by Sam and Bella Spewack, tells the story of an ex-wife and ex-husband who are asked to star as Katherine and Petruchio, respectively, in a musical version of Shakespeare's "The Taming of the Shrew." The couple quarrels both on and off stage and has to deal with two gangsters who attend the play looking for some money that is allegedly owed to them.

"'Kiss Me, Kate' is a full-length production from Broadway's 'Golden Age,'" said show producer Anne Davidheiser, a science instructor at DWHS. "The score is by Cole Porter with recognizable songs like 'Another Openin', Another Show'; 'Too Darn Hot'; and 'Brush Up Your Shakespeare.'"

She said returning to the stage is a big change from last year, when the play was presented in DWHS' Kottmeyer Stadium, where the actors, pit orchestra and stage crew battled the weather, including cold temperatures, and audience members were required to be socially distant.

"We were not able to perform in 2020, but in 2021 we did manage to produce 'Mamma Mia!' in the football stadium. It was quite an event," said Davidheiser. "We had great crowds and an enthusiastic cast and crew. It was an experience we won't soon forget."

The community is encouraged to attend "Kiss Me, Kate," which Davidheiser describes as family-friendly. "Every show has its challenges, but for the most part this show has come together very well. The students are doing a wonderful job," she said.

For more information or tickets, visit http://www.westmusical.net or call the box office at 610-269-4400, ext. 42628. Tickets will be available at the door as well. More information is available by searching for "DWHS Music Theatre" on Facebook. A link to order tickets is also available on the Facebook page.