Maurer Productions OnStage brings Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me A Tenor” to the Kelsey stage weekends from Friday, February 20, to Sunday, March 1. A reception with the cast and crew follows the opening night performance on February 20.
The comedy farce focuses on the tale of a big celebrity who goes missing in a small town. The Cleveland Grand Opera Company has laid out the red carpet to welcome Tito Merelli, the greatest tenor of his generation, for a one-night performance portraying Othello. He arrives late and, through a series of mishaps, is given a double dose of tranquilizers. Has he just passed out — or is he dead?
Frantic attempts to salvage the evening ensue, including an assistant who steps in as Merelli’s understudy and a recovered star eager to join the show that has begun without him. Combine that with a mistrusting wife and two women running around in lingerie for an evening of fun.
The cast features Peter Bisgaier of West Windsor as Henry Saunders, general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. The show is directed by John Maurer, MPO’s artistic director and a former West Windsor resident. Maurer and his wife, Diana, are co-producers.
MPO has presented dramas, musicals, comedies, and children’s shows at Kelsey, but Maurer says his first love is comedy. “I am always comfortable doing comedy. Helping people laugh is always a great joy. Give me a good script and some talented performers and we can make a wonderful evening’s entertainment.”
