Theatre Company to present 'Lend Me a Tenor' April 10-13

Office of Communications & Marketing |Northeastern State University
TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- For its final production of the 2012-13 season, the Northeastern State University Theatre Company will perform Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor, directed by Scott Pursley, assistant professor of theatre.

Performances are April 10-13 at 7:30 p.m. in the NSU Playhouse, 300 N. Grand Ave. Tickets are $5.

"This particular show was chosen because it is a classic comedy that showcases some larger than life characters," said Dr. Robyn Pursley, coordinator of theatre. "The cast includes a mix of seasoned NSUTC actors as well as some newer faces. Lend Me a Tenor is sure to be a great evening of comic theatre."

Lend Me A Tenor is set in September 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio. It tells of the lead-up to a one-night-only performance as Otello by Tito Morelli the greatest tenor of his generation and nicknamed Il Stupendo. The general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, Saunders, is excited to welcome such a distinguished talent, but a series of pre-show mishaps lead to the comic unraveling of the opera presentation.

The play was wildly successful in London's West End and on Broadway where it opened in 1986 and 1989, respectively. It received nine Tony nominations, winning two for best actor and best director. Lend Me a Tenor has been produced in 25 countries and enjoyed a Broadway revival in 2010.

Robyn Pursley invited the campus and northeast Oklahoma communities to attend a performance.

"We really hope to have a great turnout for the shows," she said. "Not only is it fun for the actors to perform in front of a packed house, but revenue from this production will aid us in our final interior renovation of the NSU Playhouse stage."

The stage space will be expanded to complement the venue's recently remodeled seating area. Plans call for completion of the remodeling before the start of the 2013-14 NSUTC season.

"If you haven't seen a show in the playhouse this season, don't miss out," she said. "Our new seating arrangement provides more leg room, comfortable seats and a more consistent view of the stage for the entire audience."

NSU Theatre will also present a special matinee on April 9 for the annual NSUTC High School Theatre Festival. Tickets for the matinee production are reserved for attending high schools, but Robyn Pursley said limited seating might be available for those unable to attend an evening show.

Due to some adult content, including double entendres and innuendo, Lend Me a Tenor may not be appropriate for those younger than 18.

For reservations go to nsutc.com or call 918-444-2793 for more information. Tickets will also be available at the door. The box office opens at 6:30 p.m. on show nights.