The cast of “Lend Me a Tenor” at Ocean State Theatre Company. Photo by Mark Turek.
By Kim Kalunian, WPRO News
Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” at Ocean State Theater Company hits all the right notes.
“Tenor” begins as the staff of the Cleveland Opera House anxiously awaits the arrival of world-renowned tenor, Tito Merelli, who is slated to star in their much-anticipated production of “Otello.” But when Merelli arrives, he’s not in the best of health, and when panic ensues, desperation kicks in. Throw in some mix-ups, some mistaken identities, some libidos and lingerie, and you’ve got a show that provides 90-minutes of near non-stop laughs.
The cast is adeptly led by Nick Gaswirth, the Cleveland Opera House gopher Max, and Alexander Cook, his boss and father-in-law-to-be, Saunders. They have great chemistry and play off of each other nicely. Add in Broadway veteran Bruce Sabath as the world-renowned Tito Merelli, and you’ve got a trio of leading men that make the show terrific. (Sabath and Gaswirth even have the chance to show off their excellent voices, culminating in a duet that’s one of the finer musical moments I’ve seen at OSTC.)
OSTC favorite Gerrianne Genga is hilarious as Merelli’s jealous, over-the-top wife Maria, and Rochelle Weinrauch looks like Jessica Rabbit come to life as the sexy prima donna, Diana. Newcomer Elizabeth Boyke is young Judy Garland-esque as Max’s girlfriend and Saunder’s daughter, Maggie.
Oh, and we can’t forget Maria Tavarossi as the glamorous Julia and Kevin Broccoli as the annoying bellhop.
Overall, the cast does a fine job bringing Ludwig’s hilarious script to life by slamming doors, shedding clothes, running to and fro…it’s such good fun.
Under the keen direction of Kevin Pariseau, with fantastic costumes by Ryan J. Moller and a top-notch set by Amanda R. Hall, “Lend Me a Tenor” at Ocean State Theater Company is finely tuned farce.
