Too Darn Hot

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title> <jats:p>Too Darn Hot maps the extraordinary process of writing and launching the beloved musical comedy Kiss Me, Kate. It unpacks the nine feverish months spent developing the show, exploring how composer/lyricist Cole Porter and book author Bella Spewack drove the project’s momentum. Then it uses selected case studies including the celebrated MGM film, a staging at the Vienna Volksoper, and recent Broadway revivals to reflect on the ever-changing nature of a hit musical comedy that has attracted attention and controversy from musical theater, Shakespeare, opera, and operetta fans alike.</jats:p>