By Tyson Allred
Lend Me A Tenor, by Ken Ludwig, now playing at CenterPoint Legacy Theater in Centerville is based in the fall of 1934 and the Cleveland Grand Opera Company is excited to host the world-renowned tenor, Tito Merelli (Josh Curtis), in a one-night-only showing of Otello. Henry Saunders (Mike Brown), the Opera Director, frazzled to ensure that everything goes smoothly, has put his jittery assistant Max (Andrew Heyward) in charge of Tito. After a night of mistaken identity, confused love, and uproarious hijinks, the real Tito Merelli is completely overwhelmed and ready to be back in the arms of his beloved wife Maria (Holly Reid).
Curtis as Tito Merelli is the star of the show. He has the audience laughing from the beginning to the end. His facial expressions and comedic timing with Reid as his wife, Maria, are so refreshing to witness. The way he communicates and expresses himself with the entire cast is flawless. No one could have done better.
Heyward captures the character of Max perfectly. His facial expressions and chemistry with the rest of the cast are delightful to witness. Heyward hilariously transitions himself to Tito and pulls the accent off perfectly. Maggie (Natalie Peterson), Max’s fiancée and Henry Saunders’ daughter, has an infatuation for Tito which plays out hysterically throughout the show.
Brown as Henry Saunders brings his character to the forefront right from the beginning, commanding the stage with his bellowing voice and strong stage presence. He is so high strung about making $50,000 with this show he worries about every little possible thing. You really believe he wants to give the audience rotten shrimp mayonnaise.
To add to the frivolity and mayhem, Silas Stott as Bellhop is always trying to steal a moment with Tito. Julia (Jan Smith) continually makes the audience laugh by her dramatized lines and body language. And Diana (Amanda Morgan), vigilantly tries to be the love interest of Tito.
The direction by Jennie Richardson is a success. She gave the actors the power to use their strengths and build upon them. Scott Van Dyke set design works well for this show, and allows for the excellent flow of a hotel room. Costumes by Jennie Richardson are effective and delightful in their design and flair.
Lend Me A Tenor at CenterPoint in Centerville is really enjoyable. Come see one of the funniest shows of the year before it’s too late.
CenterPoint Legacy Theatre presents Ken Ludwig’s: Lend Me A Tenor
525 North 400 West, Centerville, Utah 84014
Jan 18 – Feb 16, 2019 , 7:30 PM
Tickets: $19.75-$28.75
Contact: 801- 298-1302
CenterPoint Legacy Theater Facebook Page
This review is of the Monday/Wednesday/Friday Cast.
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