ProArts Stages LEND ME A TENOR, Now thru 3/10

ProArts presents Ken Ludwig's "Lend Me a Tenor" as the first show of their Spring season, opening in Kihei tonight, February 22, 2013.

It's 1934 and the renowned tenor Tito Merelli, known to his fans as "Il Stupendo," is scheduled to sing the lead in Otello as a gala fundraiser for the Cleveland Opera Company. Chaos ensues when Merelli's wife, who has mistaken an autograph-seeker hidden in his closet for a secret lover, leaves him a "Dear John" letter. The distraught Merelli accidentally is given a double dose of tranquilizers to calm him and passes out. The company's general manager is determined that the show will go on so he asks his assistant to impersonate the opera star. What follows is a chain-reaction of mistaken identity, farcical plot twists, double entendres, innuendoes, and constant entrances and exits. On Broadway, Lend Me A Tenor received nine Tony Award nominations and won for Best Actor and Best Director.t

"Lend Me a Tenor" features the best of Maui talent including Tom Althouse, Kristin Jones, Jennifer Rose, Mark Collmer, Sharleen Lagattuta, Lee Garrow, John L. Mendez, and Barbara Sedano.

The show is directed by Lisa Teichner, with costumes designed by Linda Ewing, scenery created by Caro Walker and lighting provided by Bonnie Prucha. ProArts productions are produced by Jonathan Lehman.

Opening night is tonight, February 22 and the show runs until March 10. It plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3:00 pm (no show on 2/24). ProArts offers reserved seats at $20.00. Kama'ina nights, with discounts for Hawaii residents, are scheduled for Saturday, February 23, and Thursdays, February 28 and March 7.

The intimate ProArts Playhouse is located at the Azeka (Makai) Shopping Center, 1280 S. Kihei Rd. in Kihei. The Playhouse is air conditioned with 82 reserved seats. There is free parking, plenty of nearby restaurants, and an art gallery inside currently featuring the works of Pat Masumoto and Caro Walker. "Lend Me a Tenor" is suitable for all audiences.

Call 463-6550 for tickets or more information.

Pro-Arts, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to presenting the highest quality productions for Maui audiences.

More Articles by This Author...