Lend Me A Tenor

a comedy by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Jason Kerr
Presented at the Pipestone Performing Arts Center
Oct. 23-25, 1998

 




The Cast

Max (Assistant to Saunders) Jim Arp
Maggie (Max's girlfriend) Kim Campbell
Saunders (Maggie's father and general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company) Brad Thielsen

 

Tito Merelli (World-famous tenor, also known as "Il Stupendo")
Henry Meza
 
Maria (Tito's wife) Sylvia Newell
Bellhop (A bellhop) Tim Lewis
Diana (A soprano) Nicola Alama
Julia (chairman of the Opera Guild) Marcy Reese


Synopsis

The action takes place in a hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934.

Act I

Scene 1: Early afternoon on a Saturday in September
Scene 2: Four hours later

- TEN MINUTE INTERMISSION -

Act II

Scene 1: That night, about 11 o'clock
Scene 2: fifteen minutes later

 

 

Production Staff

Producer: Brad Thielsen
Stage manager: Laurie Ness
Set and lighting designer: Jay Schueller
Set building crew:
 
Becky Gray, Jay Schueller, Brad Thielsen,
Becky Thielsen, Danelle Wildermuth
Light board operator: Greg Versteeg
Sound board operator: Brian Johnson
Properties manager: Grace Miersma
Properties assistant: JaNeil Peschon
Costumes coordinator: Becky Thielsen
Hair/makeup assistant: Deborah Heller
Publicity: Karin Denison, Laurie Ness, Marty Wallin
Ticket handling: Delores Runge, Becky Thielsen

 


"Take time to laugh...it is the music of the soul..."

Lend Me A Tenor has a little bit of music and a lot of laughter. What it doesn't have is any drama, symbolism, or a moral-except, perhaps, don't try to be someone your are not. It is a comedy for comedy's sake.

There are a lot of doors, which always signifies a good play. On the other hand, there are no special effects, just actors going in doors and going out doors...although, isn't a surprise entrance a special effect? There are a few of those.

There are also no kings, gods, heroes in Lend Me A Tenor, and I'm not even sure there is a protagonist. This is truly an ensemble piece. Each character is vital in his or her own way. These are heroes we can laugh at.

The fun and laughter in the performance springs from the fun, laughter and hard work of many people. this cast has weathered storms, and triumphed and laughed in the face of adversity. For this, along with their dedication and patience, I thank them. I couldn't have done it without them...and I wouldn't want to.

I must also thank the Calumet Players, their board of directors and Marty Wallin, in particular, for allowing me this wonderful opportunity. My producer, Brad Thielsen, deserves special appreciation for his tireless work and sense of humor. Thank you all for taking me in and letting me laugh with you.

Finally, to everyone, audience and cast alike-life is short and there can never be enough laughter. Therefore, do not take this play seriously. I don't.

- Jason Kerr, Director


Special thanks to...

The ushers of the Pipestone Performing Arts Center; KLOH-KISD Radio and the Pipestone County Star; Progress, Inc.; Lois Wentzel for her short-notice sewing work; Spencer (Iowa) community Theater; Southwest State University theater program; the Green Earth Players, Luverne; the Pipestone-Jasper High School Theatre Department; Monk's Secondhand; Pipestone Interiors; Mylan Ray & Roger VandeKieft for help with sound effects; Chris Roelfsema-Hummel and the staff of the Pipestone County Museum; everyone who donated various props for both theatrical and publicity purposes; and Dennis Hansen and Jim Hintermeister.

 

Upcoming Shows:

Calumet Players Children's Theater (formerly the Pipestone Youth Drama Company)....March 5-7, 1999

Murder Ahoy! (Dinner Theater)....June, 1999



The Calumet Players Board of Directors - 1998

Marty Wallin-President; Laurie Ness-Vice President Karin Denison-Secretary; Becky Thielsen-Treasurer; Deborah Heller, Leslie Kallsen, Grace Miersma, Sylvia Newell, Brad Thielsen-Directors


This play is made possible in part by a grant from the Southwest Minnesota Arts and Humanities council (SMACH), with funds appropriated from the Minnesota state legislature. Permission for performance was given by Samuel French, Inc.

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Last updated: January 27, 2006