Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me A Tenor, the latest offering from Saint John Theatre Company, firmly establishes itself as a well-tested farce. There are many doors, and characters continually go in and out. It’s a comedy that relies on situations, mistaken identities, and high energy.
It’s not a style that is easy to master because it relies on impeccable timing.
Was Saint John Theatre Company able to pull this off?
Ludwig weaves a tale of a world-famous tenor coming to Cleveland to perform the title character of Pagliacci in the local production before taking on the road to other venues across America. Add in his womanizing and women falling head over heels for the famous Italian lothario, an assistant with dreams of taking some of the famous tenor roles in the Opera catalogue, a mistaken death, and many mistaken identities.
All required boxes ticked off for a superb farce.
Brian Goodwin’s set design certainly checks all the boxes required to call this a farce. There are five doors upstage facing the audience leading to a bathroom, a closet, a kitchen area and two rooms that exit the hotel suite into the hall. A sixth door runs perpendicular to the audience separating the bedroom from the rest of the suite. A large bed takes up much of one half of the stage, while the other has a series of tables, a couch, a much-used phone, and a window.
Brenda McLeese’s costume designs were splendid—particular kudos for the two Pagliacci costumes. Although it might have been a little spot on, Julia’s gown, which looked like the Chrysler Building, was terrific.
Three particular actors deliver sharp performances.
As Bellhop, James Lamey could really be a throwaway and not garnering much attention. What Lamey brought is simply divine. He took on this role and really made it his. His use of Italian (to someone who doesn’t speak the language) was incredible, and the moments when he sang and his comedic timing were head and shoulders above the rest.
Sandra Bell, as Julia, the grand dame of the Cleveland Opera Guild, commanded the stage anytime she entered; with precision and grace, she demonstrated that sometimes less really is more. Thirdly, this production wouldn’t be what it is without the work of
As Max, the often berated and slightly henpecked workhorse of the Guild, Greg Robinson highlights his performance in those moments where he sang. Each note was pitch-perfect, and though not much singing was done, he brought so much emotion to the moments he sang. Robinson brought so much to the character, from his lows when being spoken down to by his boss to the joy he exuded when he was able to take on the role of Pagliacci.
Additionally to be noted, anytime Chelsea Cusack is in a production, you will get a master class in how to take on a character part in any show.
A slight quibble nevertheless.
However, several times throughout the production, timing and pace were off, making it difficult to watch. When they hit the laughs, they were solid laughs. The bit that really brought this production down slightly was that the energy started high and stayed at a height difficult to maintain for an audience member, which missed the natural rhythm of a farce.
Was this opening night jitters? Or perhaps it required a little more work in the rehearsal room?
This all aside, Lend Me A Tenor is a fun night out at the theatre.
Running time: approximately 2 and half hours with intermission.
The production runs until March 22 at the Imperial Theatre, 12 King Square S., Saint John. For tickets: imperialonline.ca
A Saint John Theatre Company production
Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig
Directed by Bob Doherty
Set Designer: Brian Goodwin
Head of Properties: Hannah Martin
Wardrobe Lead: Brenda McLeese
Lighting Designer: Matthew Blackwood
Technical Director: Meaghan Smith
Stage Manager Anthony Allen
Performers: Sandra Bell, Chelsea Cusack, CC Humphries, Jamie Johannessen, Dewayne Keating, James Lamey, Kendra Murray, and Greg Robinson
Photo Credit: Drew Murdock Pictured: Greg Robinson and C.C. Humphries
