Are you in the mood for a good show? Check out Lend me a Tenor. Set in the 1930s, this play is a madcap comedy that takes place when Tito Merelli, the fiery-tempered and world famous Italian superstar, arrives in Cleveland, Ohio to make his debut with the local opera and promptly goes missing. As Saunders, the show’s producer, conspires to cover for Tito’s absence, placate his hot-blooded wife, and distract his most passionate fans, chaos on a truly operatic level ensues.

Audiences around the world have been laughing uproariously at the Tony Award-winning farce since 1986 when the Ken Ludwig play, produced by Andrew Lloyd Webber, opened at the West End. The show premiered on Broadway in 1989 and was revived in 2010 starring Anthony LaPaglia, Tony Shalhoub and Justin Bartha.

In keeping with the show’s 25-year legacy, The Arts Center of Coastal Carolina’s production kept the audience laughing throughout the night with its spot-on comic timing and superb acting. The moment Saunders, played by Warren Kelley, burst onto the set, his energy commanded the stage and revved the show’s comic engine. Denise Cormier’s portrayal of Tito Merelli’s wife Maria was scene-stealing. The transformative moment occurs when mild-mannered and long-suffering Max, assistant to overbearing Saunders, realizes his potential as an opera singer through Tito’s encouragement as the two sing a soaring duet. Not a moment is wasted nor a character unneeded in this tight, fast-paced production directed by Arts Center veteran Russell Treyz. Take a date on Valentine’s Day and receive complimentary champagne. Check out the schedule here:

When: February 7-26th
Where: Arts Center of Coastal Carolina
Tickets: Adults: $44; Age 15 and under: $31 (Group discounts available)
https://tickets.artshhi.com
Box office: 843-842-ARTS or toll-free 888-860-2787