Lend me a Tenor

Lend me a Tenor, set in the 1930s, a comedy that takes place when Tito Merelli, the world famous Italian superstar, arrives in Cleveland, Ohio to make his debut with a local opera company and promptly appears to have died. Saunders, the show's presenter, conspires to cover up for Tito's disappearance, and trys to distract his most ardent fans, chaos erupts on a truly operatic levels.

Maggie - Janine Hall, Max – Les Roberts, Saunders – Alistair Clinton, Tito Merelli – Andy Wise, Maria – Pat Fitzsimons, Bell Hop - Garth Spann, Diana - Kath Wood, Julia - Jean Kemp.

Speed of dialogue, pace and finesse are key ingredients to any farce. Thankfully Avenue Productions Director Pat Morton has most of the eliments in order. Even so, it doesn't quite cover the fact that in Ken Ludwins play, there are lots of laughs and lots of lulls. The story, set in 1934, evolves around  a famous tenor set to lead a charity concert "Otello" for the unforeseen circumstances, misunderstandings and an overdose of pills forces Max, the company manager (who thinks he can sort of sing), to impersonate Tito. Les Roberts in the role of Max mastered the singing too,well done to him. Max and Maggie’s (Janine Hall) scenes were acted well and she looking so much like Celia Imrie..

Chaos, and a  mistaken-identity, with sexual inuendoes along the way, all make for good comedy but I tought in some places it needed more pace. Maria's (Pat Fitzsimons) Italian accent was inpecable a great comedy performance. All other performers were well cast, some needed more projection.I know its only a small theatre,but us as an audience we need balance from all, if not, comedy lines are lost.

Once again from Avenue Theatre Productions  proceeded to give us good sets for such a small stage.I have worked  at this theatre and I know how much room there is back stage…NONE!!. If I need to be picky I would have liked to see more of a divide between the rooms,perhaps a gradual swoop from top of bedroom door to front stage.

Avenue once again you made us laugh and Director Pat Morton you can be proud of your cast. You directed this good cast well on such a small stage.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.