Famous Italian tenor Tito Merelli (Nathan Linders) flirts with opera patron Julia (Louise Szalay) in SOAP’s upcoming comedy, Lend Me a Tenor. The farce hits the stage May 23 -24 in Osoyoos and May 30 – 31 at the Venables Theatre in Oliver. Tickets are now on sale at Your Dollar Store with More in Osoyoos, Sundance Video in Oliver or at the door. (Penelope Johnson photo)
It’s an era of evening dresses and tuxedos, sparkling champagne and even more sparkling tiaras, of romantic opera stars and their enamoured fans.
In this world of luxury, chaos is about to ensue, in the style of classic 1930s screwball comedy.
The South Okanagan Players bring this hilarious chaos to the stage in Lend Me a Tenor by writer Ken Ludwig.
The production is a farce, and definitely not an opera, and will be hitting the stage on May 23-24 in Osoyoos and May 30-31 in Oliver.
Tito Merelli (played by Nathan Linders) is “Il Stupendo”, the Italian tenor of the title.
The imposing singer arrives at his hotel suite, ready to open the Cleveland Opera’s 1934 season starring in Otello. World famous for his stupendous voice, Tito is also famous behind-the-scenes for his way with women, backstage door admirers and co-stars alike. He soon attracts Maggie (Tracey Granger), an adoring fan and daughter of the Cleveland Opera’s general manager Saunders (Ted Osborne).
Also vying for Tito’s attentions is his ambitious co-star Diana (Robin Stille), who aims to bed the tenor and advance her career in one fell swoop.
The tenor’s plans are put on hold by two immutable forces that include a terrible stomach ache and his hot-tempered wife Maria (Carrie Lyle).
Concerned that his performance is in jeopardy, either from illness or conniving women, the fiery Maria orders him to rest. She wants him safely tucked up in bed – alone.
In one of the farce’s funniest exchanges, Maria and Tito let their tempers flare.
“Take-a you pills!” she shouts. “You wanna pills?” sneers Tito. ”OK. I take-a pills. I take–a four pills.” “Now you-a gonna be sick. You peeg!” “Shaddap!” “Shaddapa you-self!” Gulping down a handful of tranquilizers with wine, Tito passes out cold.
With Tito down for the count, the role of Otello is without a replacement.
Opera house manager Saunders is justifiably worried about his sponsors, but has a cunning plan to fool the opening night audience.
Is his hapless assistant Max (newcomer John Guiliano), an aspiring (albeit amateur) tenor, up for the challenge?
What happened next is a whirlwind of frantic costume changes, mistaken identities, slamming doors, bed-hopping madness, hilarious sight gags and romance.
Also featured in the cast are David Badger as a sassy singing bellhop, and Louise Szalay as Julia, a regal opera patron.
Lend Me a Tenor marks the directorial debut of Tom Szalay, a 10-year SOAP veteran.
Szalay said it has taken a lot of hard work by everyone in the cast and all production department volunteers to put this production together and he’s confident local audiences are going to have a very good time.
“Staging a high-energy farce such as this with eight characters is a lot of hard work and cast and crew are stepping up to play an important part in our success,” said Szalay.
Szalay said he has counted on the experience of stage manager Jen Jensen, producers Patrick Turner and Jennifer Mapplebeck, costume magician Bernice Myllyniemi, and set and props wizardry from Robert and Marla Wilson, among the many talented crew, for helping him pull this all together over the past several months.
Lend Me a Tenor will b e performed at the OSS Theatre this Friday and Saturday, May 23-24 , and at Venables Theatre in Oliver, May 30-31.
Curtain rises at 8 p.m. for all shows.
Tickets are available now at Sundance Video (Oliver) and Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos) for $18 adult, and $15 senior or student.
SPECIAL TO THE TIMES
Osoyoos Times
Saunders (Ted Osborne), general manager of the Cleveland Opera, frantically tries to revive the drugged tenor Tito Merelli (Nathan Linders) in time for his debut performance as Otello. Lend Me a Tenor opens in Osoyoos May 23 – 24 at OSS Theatre. Oliver dates are May 30 – 31 at Venables Theatre. Tickets at Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos), Sundance Video (Oliver) or at the door. (Penelope Johnson photo)
