By Lara Gonzalez
Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor is a timeless comedy which is presented flawlessly by Cincinnati Landmark Productions. If you are in the mood for laughter therapy, this two hour investment is what you are looking for!
The Plot
Lend Me a Tenor is a period comedy set in September 1934. Saunders, the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is primed to welcome world famous Tito Merelli, Il Stupendo, to appear for one night only as the star of the opera. Henry Saunders–General Manager of the Company–is beyond stressed about everything turning out right, and insists that his assistant, Max–a nervous, young fellow and secret tenor extraordinaire–watch over Tito’s every move to ensure smooth sailing.
Max navigates the company through one catastrophe after the next–an angry wife, a presumed death, crazy costumes, secret sex romps, and loads and loads of slamming doors and mistaken identities. Together, Max and Saunders find a way to save the Opera Company’s big night in grand, farcical fashion.
The Production Team
Director David Roth recreates the reality of 1934 beautifully. In David’s director’s note he invites us to enjoy the “therapeutic nature of laughter.” The immersive period comedy delivers on that offer!
The scenic designer and artists, Brett Bowling, Jeff Centrello, Jenny & John Herndon, and Lee Sellers, create a beautiful and authentic hotel suite from pre-depression Cleveland. The set has six operating doors and an open wall presentation, which transports the audience back in time and stands up beautifully to the physical comedy of the cast.
Stage Manager Holly McGowan keeps things flowing flawlessly. The costume stylings of June Hill and Jenny Partridge work perfectly with Jenny Herndon’s Props to complete the historic ambiance for this operatic farce.
Background
In the words of the author, Ken Ludwig, “Lend Me A Tenor is about the encouragement of youth by their natural heroes, who are usually, ironically, of their parents’ generation. I think the play is also about finding yourself within yourself and not letting yourself get stopped when you know for certain what resides in your heart.”
The Actors in Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor
The two tenors are the standouts in this production. Josh Galloway plays Max. He enters the production as a nervous young assistant and secret tenor extraordinaire. We fall in love with his earnest nature and get the joy of seeing him come into his own as both a singer and the master of his own destiny. Josh displays amazing breadth as his character transforms from a meek assistant to a confident leading man.
Ryan J. Pool plays the famous Tito Morelli. His flawless Italian accent and comedic timing and expression breathe life into his character. The impromptu duet between Tito and Max is beautifully executed and a joy to experience. Bringing near-constant laughs and smiles to my face, Ryan’s performance is magnetic!
Looking for some classic over the top archtypes? We’ve got you covered! Jeff Hartman plays the gruff and grumbling General Manager Henry Saunders while Corey Meyer plays a singing, photographing, ball of fan-boy energy, The Bellhop.
The ladies of the show add the perfect spice to this farce. Leslie Taylor plays Tito’s fiery, Italian wife Maria. Chloe Hedrick portrays an ambitious, female co-star Diana, juxtaposing Max’s giddy girlfriend- played by Anna Kahle. The flirty head of the opera guild is an endearing Cougar brought to life by Leanne L Greenber.
Bottom Line
Ken Ludwig’s Lend me a Tenor is the perfect comedy to perk up the gray days of winter. Join the penultimate show of the 2024-2025 Marquee Subscription Season at Covedale Center for the Performing Arts for a side-splitting night at the theater!
Get Tickets to Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor
Tickets for this timeless comedy runs for three weeks at the Warsaw Federal Incline theater.
- Performances run January 23- February 16.
- Showtimes on Thursdays at 7:30pm, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00pm, Sunday matinee at 2:00pm
- Pricing: Adult tickets are $33, Seniors/Students $30.
Visit https://www.cincinnatilandmarkproductions.com/ccpa to purchase tickets online (additional fees apply) or call 513-241-6550.
