Tryon Little Theater’s production of “Kiss Me, Kate” opens in less than a month, and the cast has been hard at work perfecting lines, songs, and dance numbers. The story involves an egotistical actor and producer named Fred Graham and his ex-wife, Lili Vanessi, who are playing Petruchio and Kate in a production of Shakespeare’s “Taming of the Shrew.” In both the real world and in the play, they bicker and romance in a “battle of the sexes.”

Wendi Arms, making her spectacular TLT debut, plays Lili/Kate. Wendi is music librarian at Converse College and teaches voice for the Lawson Academy of the Arts at Converse. Chris Tinkler brings to life the character(s) of Fred/Petruchio. His history with TLT goes back 20 years and includes directing 12 productions and performing in eight.

“Kiss Me, Kate” was the first musical to win a Tony. It will play at the Tryon Fine Arts Center, Feb. 15-18. Get tickets online at www.tltinfo.org, or call 828-859-2466 for more information.

– submitted by Ford Smith