By Shantelle Argyle
Pioneer Theatre Company’s A Comedy of Tenors captures the sheer madness of Henry Saunders, played by Andy Prosky, the self-described illustrious former Cleveland mayor-turned-producer as he struggles to put on the “opera concert of the century” in Paris. Prosky struts on stage impeccably dapper but blustering and panicked as he tries to get his opera “artistes” to commit on the very same day of the performance. He is assisted by Max (Hansel Tan), who he recently gave the opportunity to pursue his dream of also being an opera singer. Max is to appear in the show, though he is also nervously awaiting the birth of his first child. Max is also dapper, but invokes the youthful energy and optimism of an up-and-coming star. 
Tito (Gregory North) is the consummate Italian opera star. His singing voice is an absolute powerhouse, which makes the fact that he is suffering a bit of a midlife crisis even more endearing. As he prepares for the big concert, he is confronted by his own mortality, his insistence that his baby girl Mimi never grow up and get married, and whether his wife in fact still loves him after all these years. North plays him with comedic genius, and for an even greater surprise, Tito’s doppelganger “Beppo” as well. It’s fun to see North play two different characters so differently and with such physical comedy; you find yourself wondering where he’s going to pop up next. Beppo is optimistic and hedonistic in the European sense. A lover of food, wine, and being a lover, not to mention making speeches about all of the above.
Tito’s wife Maria (Jennifer Cody) who I immediately recognized as the voice of Charlotte from The Princess and the Frog, is so adorable you just want to pick her up and put her in your pocket. She is fiery and passionate, the typical Italian wife has been around for two decades and isn’t going to take it anymore. She’s fiercely devoted and loves her husband, but this lifestyle of him being an opera star has become too much. Cody has a sense of comedic timing that is simply flawless.
While Tenors is a show about singing, it is not in fact a musical. The Tenors do perform a couple of times during the show. Tan’s sweet though somewhat amateurish character Max has a fantastic voice that he struggles to make more prominent when competing with his mentor counterpart, Tito Morelli.
To make things even more interesting, we have Carlo (Storm Lineberger) the opera star who is young and handsome and a threat to Tito’s legacy. Carlo performs alongside Tito and Max in a rehearsal of La Traviata. Carlo’s voice is more nuanced, inserting his own personality and style into the piece. Tito struggles with both respect for the young man’s talent and fear that he might be the one to replace him in the opera scene.
Mimi (Jessica Fontana) is stunningly beautiful and sweet, with a funny but disarming awkwardness you would expect from a young adult coming into her own. Fontana is graceful and precious but hits on her comedic moments with fervor and force. Tatiana Racon (Kirsten Wyatt), a Russian soprano and former lover of Tito’s, arrives in time to complicate Henry Saunders’ already very rough day. Chacon is raunchy and baby-hungry, and Wyatt’s very physical portrayal had the audience collapsing from laughter.
The set is one of my favorite parts of the show: Parisian decor with vaulted ceilings and a chandelier made for a stunning hotel sitting room that allows you to feel as though you’re right there gazing at the Eiffel Tower from the balcony. Scene design is brilliantly provided by Eric Renschler.
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The costumes (Susan Branch Towne) are fantastic and detailed, with even accessories (and that famous French lingerie!) considered and designed thoughtfully; the typical professionalism of Pioneer Theatre Company. After all the mishaps, mistaken identities, and mayhem, the audience was treated to an emotional ending that brought tears to my eyes, followed by a punchy farcical curtain call. Director Wes Grantom puts on a fantastic show (so much happens in a mere two-hour jaunt). He takes on the enormous task of plot and (so many) sub-plots along with an incredible amount of physical comedy, which is so hard to do well, with stunning results.
If you need a good laugh and enjoy a bit of bawd, Pioneer Theatre’s A Comedy of Tenors is the show for you. I left smiling and keep reflecting back on the many little (and big) moments that had me giggling.
Note: As this show contains adult content (language and sexual comedy) I would not recommend it for children. It’s a definite PG-13.
Pioneer Theatre Company presents A Comedy of Tenors by Ken Ludwig
Simmons Pioneer Memorial Theatre, The University of Utah, 300 1400 E #205, Salt Lake City, UT 84112
October 20- November 4, 2017, Monday-Thursday 7:00 PM, Friday, Saturday 7:30 PM, Saturday Matinee 2:00 PM
Tickets: $25 – $44 in advance, and $5 more when purchased on the day of the show. Kids in grades K-12 are half-price on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Contact: 801-581-6961
Pioneer Theatre CompanyFacebook Page
Comedy of Tenors Facebook Event
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