Through two successful Broadway runs audiences rolled in the aisles with laughter at the frantic and frenetic Ken Ludwig comedy Lend me A Tenor. Now you get to join in the fun as it opens at the Star Playhouse at the Suffolk Y-JCC January 14. A good time is guaranteed for young and old, and those in between.
Tito the world renowned Italian tenor (played by Joe Mantello of East Northport) has been induced to appear for one night at the Cleveland Opera. His reputation as a womanizer and drinker is as far flung as his magnificent voice. When he arrives with his hysterical and jealous wife Maria (Allyson Mantello likewise of East Northport), Saunders, the managing director of the opera, (Nick Damadeo of Northport) assigns his lackey Max (Mike McAuliffe of Bethpage) to ride herd on him and keep him away from wine and women if not from song. Max has his work cut out for himself, as Diana the company soprano (June Damadeo of Northport) tries her seductive best to ingratiate herself to Tito. After ingesting a sleeping pill or two, or more to nap is Tito dead or just in a stupor? And if he can’t perform who will with a packed house waiting? Will it be Max? Will it be the ambitious bellhop (Steve Fallis of Smithtown)? Max’s only goal is to wed and bed Maggie (Karen Keenan of Oyster Bay) who in turn has her heart and the rest of her set on Tito. Perhaps the only sane one is Julia (Lisa Westfall of Moriches) the patron of the opera. Or is she also lusting for Tito? It’s more than worth the price of a ticket to find out. The show is directed by Tim Conlon of Deer Park, and produced by Lenny and Cooky Klein of Dix Hills. As are all Star Playhouse productions it is presented on a Broadway style set and lavishly costumed.
