Wayne Brady to star in 'Kiss Me, Kate' at Pasadena Playhouse

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) -- Actor Wayne Brady will soon be singing and dancing on stage in the Pasadena Playhouse production of "Kiss Me, Kate."

The multi-Emmy Award winner, who leads a talented cast in the upcoming production, has made a name for himself in many different entertainment genres. Brady has been entertaining audiences for years with his acting, improv, singing and dancing on television, film and the stage.

"That's the cool part about people knowing you for different things. I actually think it means that I've been successful in the one hope that I had as a kid. I said, 'I just want to work,'" he said.

The actor and comedian added that the production is "uniquely American" and it made him feel good to be cast in something special.

"It really lets you rip loose and go, 'this is it, this is every trick.' And it works because I think that's the American way of life when it comes to anything - theater, cars, cinema, science - we just go for it," Brady said.

The Tony Award-winning musical features music and lyrics by Broadway composer Cole Porter. Brady said it wasn't until learning the music for "Kiss Me, Kate" that he truly began to appreciate Porter's work, and he hopes audiences will feel the same way.

"Listen to the lyrics, the man's a poet," he said. "You know kids, I love hip hop too, but next time instead of just turning on Jay Z - listen to some Cole Porter and you can hear someone really, really kill it."

"Kiss Me, Kate" opens at the playhouse on Sept. 16 and runs through Oct. 12. For more information about the show and how to buy tickets, go to the Pasadena Playhouse's website, PasadenaPlayhouse.org.