STAGE REVIEW : Lip Service for ‘Kiss Me, Kate’

Cole Porter’s lustrous score is the only reason to revive “Kiss Me, Kate.”

The book, by Sam and Bella Spewack, is not only out-of-date, with its smiling wink at male supremacy, but it’s also unsatisfying by more conventional criteria.

So any revival had better make sure that the songs and dances are electrifying enough that we can tolerate the rest of the show.

In Gary C. Davis’ revival for California Music Theatre at Pasadena Civic Auditorium, the singers sound dependable but distant. Whatever the reason (possibilities include the acoustics of the 2,961-seat hall, the sound system, or an imbalance between Jeff Rizzo’s pit orchestra and the singers), many of the more intricate lyrics are lost or barely comprehensible.

Even moving from the sixth row to the balcony and from the left side of the hall to the right didn’t help.

The dances are smartly executed. But Dom Salinaro’s choreography never rises above the routine. Instead of sizzling with suggestions of sexuality, “Too Darn Hot” simmers with suggestions of dancers showing off.

Terry Lester brings a certain panache--and a Bob Fosse look--to the role of the director-star who tries to mount a musical “Taming of the Shrew.” As Lilli, his once and future mate and co-star, Leslie Easterbrook throws herself into the slapstick without a moment’s hesitation. Her “I Hate Men,” featuring her abuse of a phallic sausage, is the comic highlight.

Len Lesser and Tony Gaetano make a pair of amusing gangsters, and Wendy Edmead has the brassy style, long legs and slinky moves for Lois Lane/Bianca.

Too bad the writers didn’t provide the proper payoffs. We’re led to expect major second-act confrontations between the gangsters and the men they’re pursuing, and between Lois and the men she is pursuing (in her fashion), but nothing comes of all the buildup.

Worse, the final act of capitulation by Lilli to her bullying husband is dramatically preposterous. If the playing of the scene is somehow supposed to transform it, it wasn’t apparent.

The sets (from Giatheatrics, designed by Ken Holamon) and costumes (from San Jose Civic Light Opera, designed by Peter David Heth and Sara Staysa) look standard-issue.

At 300 E. Green St., Pasadena, tonight at 8, then Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m., through May 7. Tickets: $15-$30; (213) 410-1062.