'Lend Me a Tenor' comes to the University Theatre

Students to perform comedic musical

Hillarity ensues as "Lend Me a Tenor" brings confusion, love and sex to the stage in an extraordinarily physical show.

The musical, which is staged entirely by Ball State student performers, will open tonight in the University Theatre.

"This is wonderful, comic and light evening entertainment," Michael O'Hara, director, said.

The comedy, by Ken Ludwig, will play 7:30 tonight and Friday then Wednesday through April 7. A matinee is offered at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

It's 1934 and the Cleveland Grand Opera Company contracts Tito Morelli, a famous opera star, for Verdi's "Otello." Hilarity begins when Morelli arrives with his jealous wife in tow. After a fight with his wife, Morelli is knocked out by a combination of alcohol and a sedative - right before the show.

Morelli is believed to be dead. Still, the show must go on, so Max, an assistant, stands in for the leading tenor.

"A shy assistant finds himself having to transform to save the day," Sarah Paradise, a sound engineer, said.

Everything goes seamlessly, until Morelli wakes up.

"Although the general manager assures Max that nothing can go wrong, everything goes wrong," said Kara Schoenhofer, a junior musical theatre major who plays Diana.

Two Otellos take the stage as the farce comes to a comic resolution, O'Hara said.

"Farces are some of the best shows to see because they are light-hearted and just fun," Schoenhofer said. "Especially for people who don't usually see theater - this is the show to see."

O'Hara said he has a special appreciation for "Lend Me a Tenor" because of his history with the show.

"This was the first play I did in Muncie, 14 years ago, with actors from Muncie Civic and Ball State," O'Hara said. "It's great to return to a work that has a lot of quality."

In addition to a high-quality show, O'Hara said the student actors have been well prepared.

"Honestly, this cast is one of the most focused casts I've ever worked with," Hannah Hoopingarner, a sophomore student assistant director, said. "They have a great attitude."

Members of the cast and crew, such as Paradise benefitted from working with upperclassmen.

"Most of the cast are juniors and seniors, so watching and learning from them is a fantastic experience," Paradise, a sophomore acting major, said. "I am extremely grateful that this was my first show here at Ball State; everyone has been so giving."

The show was selected for its comic appeal and because of what it brought to the season.

"I think it's an awesome pick that helps add diversity to this semester's season," Kayla Kennedy, a junior musical theater major who plays Maggie, said. "The entire point of a farce is to make people laugh, so the most rewarding moments are when you've been working on a line delivery or a gag ... and it gets an audience to laugh."

The music also adds a comic touch to the show.

"All the music you will be hearing are selections from classical operas, with sweeping movements and not one word in English," Kennedy said. "However, the story isn't dependent on the music you hear; it is there to add flavor and comedy."

Tickets can be purchased in the box office Monday through Friday from noon to 5 p.m. or one hour before curtain on show nights. Tickets cost $7 for students, $12 for faculty and staff, $13 for the public and $10 for senior citizens.  


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