Lend Me A Tenor

This comedy, which at times borders on farce, is set in an elegant hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934. Tito Merelli, a famous opera singer, is to arrive with his wife to perform in the city. Unfortunately, he is famous for other things and reliability is not one of them. We follow what happens over the next few hours from his arrival, finally, in Cleveland to just after the performance of the opera. A heck of a lot can happen in a short period of time.  In this play, nearly everything possible does hilariously happen.

For a comedy of this nature to succeed, it has to be well directed with a uniformly strong cast performing in a practical set. Lend Me A Tenor ticks all those boxes. June Tretheway, director, succeeded very well by her casting in the first place and her tight interpretation of the play. The essential timing was there. Craig Longoria, as Saunders the stressed out producer of the opera, was good in showing the tension while John Da Criz displayed good acting and singing talent. He and Oliver Gatton, the opera singer Tito Merelli, looked identical when in the opera costume.  The other cast members – Angela Shadwell, John Sayles, Sandy Adsett, Sandra Ivanovic and Shannon Bownds – were all good with fine timing and interplay. I really must congratulate Sandra   Ivanovic who was excellent as Maria the wife.

The set was clear, functional with the many necessary doorways which were used to the full extent – and did not shimmer or shake. I do think a few minor faults with the costumes could be attended to. I came away from this production very happy for having seen what I believe is one of Mousetrap Theatre’s best productions. I highly recommend you see it too.

William Davies