9315 State Ave. #J • Marysville, WA 98270 • (360) 322-7402
9315 State Ave. #J • Marysville, WA 98270 • (360) 322-7402
Red Curtain announces auditions for Ken Ludwig's farce, "Lend Me a Tenor," directed by Morgan Peeler. Auditions are Feb 11/12, with performances April 11-27.
Set in a hotel suite in 1934, The Cleveland Grand Opera is struggling. In a desperate move the opera's manager, Mr. Saunders, has hired the world-famous Italian tenor Tito Merelli to appear for a one night only performance of "Pagliacci."
When Tito arrives late and in poor health. Saunders and his assistant Max decide that, in order for Il Stupendo to sing that night, he must be medicated. He is promptly over-medicated and rendered comatose, appearing dead. Max, a talented yet timid singer, dons the costume and performs in Tito’s place. Miraculously, he is successful.
Mirelli awakes, puts on his makeup and costume, and leaves for the opera house. Tito and Max, being identically dressed, are mistaken by the rest of the cast.
Max’s girlfriend Maggie wants a fling, The soprano Diana wants her big break, Tito’s wife Maria wants some respect from her passionate husband and Julia, the chairwoman of the opera wants some time with the tenor. These characters must find a way to keep their relationships together while keeping the opera from failing. Doors are opened and slammed, makeup is smeared, clothing is shed, celebrities are tranquilized, arias are sung and Italians are offended in this fast-paced screwball comedy.
While this show is not a musical, it is a play about opera, and several of the characters will have to sing in the show.
To audition, reserve your spot, then send your head shot and resume to RCF at office@redcurtainfoundation.org. Actors should prepare a comedic monologue no more than 2 minutes in length. A focus on physical comedy is recommended. Callbacks are TBA. This is a community theatre production, and there is no pay.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
Note that the ages listed reflect the characters, not necessarily the actors playing the roles. Red Curtain encourages non-traditional casting including color-conscious and genderblind/genderfluid casting, with a focus on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in all our shows, in accordance with publishers' requirements.
Max 25-35-Assistant to Saunders and Maggie's boyfriend. He is timid and shy despite his talent as a tenor. Despite his reluctance, he is dedicated to the opera and able to step up to fulfill the needs of those he cares about. He is a poor judge of medical dosages. Must be able to sing
Saunders 45-60-Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera and Maggie’s father. He is a desperate man in need of a miracle. He is willing to sacrifice any morals, principles or loved ones in order to keep the doors open. He often loses his temper at the slightest mishap.
Maggie 20-35-Max’s girlfriend and Saunders’ daughter. A young woman looking for a “fling” before she settles down. Having met Il Stupendo once with disastrous results, she is eager to redeem herself.
Tito 35-45-Il Stupendo the legendary tenor. A man of appetites. For art, food, music, drink and women. He is married. He has a great big…passion and Italian accent. Must be able to sing
Maria 30-45-Tito’s wife. She loves her husband and might every once in a while show it. Also Italian and passionate, she may have finally reached her breaking point with Tito’s wandering eye.
Diana 30-40-Lead soprano of the Cleveland Grand Opera. She is convinced that her talent should place her among the greats in larger venues, like New York’s opera community. She is an ambitious woman with her eye set on Il Stupendo.
Bellhop any age-A bellhop and a big fan of Tito Merelli with a plan to advance into the opera world. Must be able to sing
Julia 45-65- Chairman of the Opera Guild with the entitlement that comes with such status. She considers herself the Grande Dame of Cleveland. Has a flamboyant sense of fashion.
Red Curtain Foundation for the Arts
9315 State Ave. #J, Marysville, Washington 98270, United States