Show Synopsis:
During a production of a musical based on Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, the complicated romantic plot of the play affects the actors' love lives. Lilli plays Katherine off of her ex-husband Fred's Petruchio, who is interested in Lois, playing Bianca, who still flirts with Bill, playing Lucentio. Fred, who has a terrible gambling problem, coerces two gangsters to help keep Lilli in the show so that he can pay off his debts to them. The gangsters find out that their boss is dead and Fred owes them nothing, but discover how much they love Shakespeare. Lilli returns to Fred and Lois ends up with Bill.

Character:
Lilli Vanessi, an actress in her 30s with a temper that can get in the way of showing her true feelings.

Song Context:
Lilli has received a bouquet of flowers from Fred, not knowing that they were intended for Lois, and realized that she still loves him.

Fun Facts:
1. Kiss Me Kate is considered Cole Porter's masterpiece score. This song, like many in the musical, became an American standard. 
2. During a pre-Broadway dress rehearsal of Kiss Me Kate, playwright Moss Hart and choreographer Agnes de Mille predicted that it would flop in New York. 
3. Patricia Morison originated the role of Lilli on Broadway, and it was the first time she originated a role on Broadway.