As of Sept. 25, no cast is yet in place for producer Roger Berlind's upcoming Broadway revival of 1948's Kiss Me Kate, set for spring 1999, according to Theatrical Index (June 8). Recently, InTheater's web site wrote that Kevin Kline was a likely candidate for the lead role of Fred Graham. However, a spokesman for Berlind's office said (Sept. 24) Kline was "not in the cards" for the production. Also, Kline's agent, Mara Buxbaum, said Kline was not considering the project. "He couldn't do it, because he's not available then," she said.

On June 10 a Berlind spokesperson said of Kate, "Roger is planning on doing it, but that's all we have to say right now." The spokesperson would neither confirm nor deny the Theatrical Index listing of Michael Blakemore (The Life) as director.

Kiss Me Kate takes its cue from William Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew, with dueling actors echoing Kate and Petruchio of the original. Porter penned Kate's score, Sam & Bella Spewack wrote the book.