By Amy Metler
Ken Ludwig created the hilarious stage play Lend Me A Tenor in 1986 and under the direction of Freyja Miller Boyer and Cevin Carr this local production continues the tradition of an amusingly cheeky performance that keeps the audience laughing the entire two hours.
Utilizing the laundry list of classic madcap set ups such as mistaken identities, excess elixirs, misconstrued death, hilarious misunderstandings, and bawdy yet tasteful overtones combined with quirky, over-the-top characters that are wonderfully unaware of what’s happening around them, Lend me a Tenor reminded me of an old-fashioned sitcom The play centers around the arrival and performance of famous Italian tenor, Tito Merelli played expertly by Caleb Wall, and everyone involved wanting everything to go as smoothly as possible, especially Henry Saunders, executive director of Cleveland Opera House, (Richard Boulter). Of course, a farce wouldn’t be funny if everything went according to plan.
Quirky, acceptably outrageous, and genuinely funny, Timpanogos Valley Theatre’s production is farce at its silly yet still high brow best. The jokes, gags, and over-the-topness come fast and furious once the initially slow set up is established. Caleb Wall and Kyle Loertscher (Max, Mr. Saunders’ assistant) are hilariously enchanting in their exchanges and create magic while singing Italian opera. Maggie Saunders (Jessica Wall) is sweet and charming and funny without trying, as she falls in love with Tito, or is it Max? Boulter had the audience laughing every time he entered the state, before even uttering a word. His facial expressions and gestures are perfection and complete an amazing character. Kirsten Kelly plays the hotel’s intrusive, fame-seeking, scene-stealing bellhop, was my favorite of the night, and reminds us we all want to be in show business. Maria (Natalie Johnson) is a hoot as she squares off with Tito and my only complaint is there is not enough Maria. Haley Loertscher flawlessly portrays the snooty Julia who keeps insisting Tito address his fans. Amy Nattress Asay is the beautiful soprano Diana anxious to get Tito to introduce her to all the right contacts and is sexy, sultry, and side-splittingly hysterical.
Boyer and Carr create a visually pleasing show filled with vintage goodness. Caleb Wall and Carr designed and build a simple yet effective set. The Timpanogos Valley Theatre is in a charming old building and is full of volunteers who love theater and helping to create art.
Lend some time and come see TVT’s Lend Me A Tenor and laugh. It’s worth your time and effort.
The Timpanogos Valley Theatre presents Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig
The Timpanogos Valley Theatre, 90 N 100 West, Heber City, Utah 84032
October 4-6 7:00 PM
Tickets: $8-17
Contact: 435-654-2125
Timpanogos Valley Theater Facebook Page
Lend Me A Tenor Facebook Event
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