"Lend Me a Tenor" opens Theatre Fairfield's season | Press Releases

Fairfield University's Theatre Fairfield opens its 2001-02 season with Ken Ludwig's "Lend me a Tenor." Performances run Wednesday, Oct. 31, through Sunday, Nov. 4, at 8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4, at 2 p.m. All performances take place in the university's Wien Experimental Theatre in the Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. This student production is directed by guest artist Douglas Moser.

"Lend me a Tenor" is a raucous farce featuring mistaken identity, physical comedy, lovers' quarrels and a happy ending. The plot revolves around the greatest tenor in the world, Tito Merelli, who has come to the Cleveland Grand Opera season to sing "Otello." When he is unable to perform, Max is ordered by his boss to solve the problem. Adding to the chaos are a stage-struck bellhop, a jealous wife, a scheming soprano, and the chairwoman of the Opera Guild who always gets what she wants.

Assisting Moser is Lynne Porter, Theatre Fairfield's producer and scenic designer, and Susan Haggstrom, technical director. Guest artists Marie Anne Chiment and Lynne Chase will design the costumes and the lighting. Featured in the cast are: Bill Bria, Megan Bell, Liz Capinera, Kristy Farrell, Jessica Michael, Paul Robinson, Ed Walsh and Rob Williams. The crew includes: Katie Mooney, Emily Currie, Sean Harrell, Michele Fields and Dave Hirx.

Because of the recent tragic events of September 11, Moser said, "Our present theater needs this now more than ever. This type of frothy comedy harkens back to the vintage comedies of the '30s with its good, old-fashioned, farcical elements."

Tickets are $12 and $5 for students. Theatre Fairfield will donate all proceeds of ticket sales during the run of "Lend Me A Tenor" to the Red Cross Foundation recovery efforts. Ticket prices will remain the same and donations will be collected at every performance. For tickets, call the box office at (203) 254-4010 or toll free at 1-877-ARTS-396. For information call Theatre Fairfield at (203) 254-4000, ext. 2274.