CVLT’s production of ‘Lend Me A Tenor’ exceeds in all aspects

There are certain requirements needed in order to pull off a Ken Ludwig madcap comedy. First off you need a sturdy stage set with a number of doors that can withstand the constant slamming throughout the show. The rooms need to be decorated to reflect a 1934 hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio with touches of art deco sprinkled throughout. Costuming needs to also reflect the era as the country began to climb out of the effects of the Great Depression and patrons could once again the return of the arts. The stage needs to brightly illuminated so that all of the high jinx can be clearly seen. Lastly you need a collection of zany actors willing leave it all on the stage. After all, this is an extremely high energy work with lots of action (and yelling and madly running about).

Currently on stage at Chagrin Valley Little Theatre is Ken Ludwig’s 1986 comic masterpiece “Lend Me A Tenor” that first hit the stage in London’s West End before traveling to Broadway in 1989. It received nine Tony Award nominations winning two. It has enjoyed a 2010 Broadway revival and has been translated into sixteen languages and produced in twenty-five countries and is a favorite of community theaters across America.

Henry Saunders (George Roth) is the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company who has scored a major coup. He has arranged for the world famous Italian opera tenor Tito Merelli (Bill D. Kosteas), known as “Il Stupendo” to his many fans, to sing the lead role in “Pagliacci” with members of the Cleveland company. Saunder’s right hand man, Max (Daniel Hunsicker) is tasked with meeting Merelli at the train station as well as “baby sitting” the temperamental star.

Max is an aspiring opera singer and “sort of” engaged to Maggie (Victoria Kirgesner), Henry’s daughter, who is all aflutter with Tito. Other females in the form of Diana (Jessica Learoyd) who is the company’s female lead and Julia (Susan Spitz Hennenberg) who is chairwoman of the Cleveland Opera Guild and a self proclaimed “grande dame” also seek Tito for “an autograph”. Flitting in and out is a rabid bellhop (Alexi Hamilton) who makes a pest of herself to Saunders as she tries to procure an actual autograph and photo of the star. Merelli is traveling with his fiery and jealous wife Maria (Cathi Frabotta) who sees every female contact that her husband makes as a threat.

Maria discovers Maggie (who was seeking “an autograph”) scantily clad and hiding in the bedroom closet and assumes that the girl is Tito’s secret lover. In anger, Maria writes a “Dear John” letter and leaves in a huff. Meanwhile, Max has sneaked a tranquilizer into Tito’s drink to calm him down. This is on top of a dose that Tito had already taken on his own. Tito goes to bed where he passes out.

When Max goes to wake up Tito for the performance he finds the man unresponsive and finding the “Dear John” letter from Maria “By the time you find this it will be too late” as well as an empty medicine bottle assumes that Tito has died. When Saunders arrive Max gives him the bad news. Saunders realizes that this will ruin him as the audience will demand a refund. Thinking fast, Saunders comes up with a plan. He convinces Max to don the clown costume and make-up and take Tito’s place on stage. They will announce Tito’s death the following morning. As a costumed Max leaves for the theater Tito come to and looking at his watch realizes that he is running late. He dashes into the closet to change into his costume (he always carries a spare).

So how does this production measure up? They not only fulfill the requirements they exceed them in all manners. Great pains have been taken to see that every detail has been met. From the sumptuous stage set by Neil Thackaberry who also brilliantly directed, the exquisite costumes by Tamara Davis, the bright lighting design by Marcus Dana, the crisp sound design by Brandon Larson all the elements come together for a totally entertaining show. Daniel Hunsicker as the beleaguered Max is absolutely frantic. His work with George Roth as Saunders is an odd couple's paring. Victoria Kirgesner as Max’s on again off again is perfect in her role. Bill D. Kosteas as the exuberant Tito brings energy into the role. The same is true with Cathi Frabotta as Maria. Alexi Hamilton as the pesky bell hop is a source of comic relief who keeps popping up. Jessica Learoyd as Diana the wayward and experienced company soprano oozes sensuality. Lastly, Susan Spitz Hennenberg as Julia the fussy matron lives the role.

Comedy is hard. There are so many elements needed to make it work. Yet this production manages to hit the mark throughout the show. It is a rollicking fast pace ride of mayhem that will carry you along for an exciting and exhilarating trip.

The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre’s production of Ken Ludwig’s “Lend me A Tenor” will be on stage at 40 River Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio through October 18, 2026. For more information and to purchase tickets go to http://www.CVLT.org or call (440) 247-8955.