The theatre talents of Timber Creek performed a phenomenal show of the Broadway play, Lend Me a Tenor. They put on three 7:00 pm performances on September 29th and 30th as well as October 1st in our performing arts center. Written by Ken Ludwig, Lend Me a Tenor is a comedy that takes place in the 1930s. When world-renowned Italian tenor Tito Merelli is thought to be dead, aspiring singer Max, pretends to be him for the night and with this there are many hilarious mix-ups. Then when Tito happens to be alive there is a bunch of chaos before everything calms down.
The theatre program likes to start the year off strong and that’s why they have a fall play every year. Director of the theatre program, Mr.Horn, confesses how it is hard work but a great outcome. “I wanted to do a comedy and also give students that aren’t showcased in musicals an opportunity, and it’s just a funny show that could relate to students.” he said. Eight actors were cast and many talented crew members helped to make the production possible.
Junior Jacob Wade who played the extravagant Tito Merelli says his favorite part about playing his character was “being wacky and fun and having to be really exaggerated.” Wade says he related to his character because he also “talks with his hands and acts silly with everyone he knows.” All the characters in the play definitely had a comedic aspect to them that had the audience cracking up and they were enjoyable to watch. There was a lot of action which created different emotions. You could really tell how much hard work all the actors put into their performances.
The set was simple but was used to its full potential. Props were a big part and really engaged the audience. The outgoing wife of Tito Merelli, Maria played by senior Aleigh Rowe said, “I liked being able to put myself out there and act like a fool onstage in front of people because I didn’t know it’s something I’d ever do.” Costumes really fit the time period and represented every character well; some people even had costume changes. Rowe said she liked her costume because it made her stand out and helped her embody her character. While watching you might actually think you’re in the 1930s.
The cast was fantastic, Mr. Horn explained, “Everyone was great and there were just some people, when auditioning, I knew were going to get the role without a doubt!” Maggie was played by junior Xandra Burnett. Tito Merelli was of course junior Jacob Wade. Junior Johnathan Arvelo was the bellhop, sophomore Lily Fuller was Diana, and Julia was played by sophomore Liz White. As seniors, thespians David Johnson “Max”, Matt Morrow “Saunders”, and Aleigh Rowe “Maria” did a great job in one of their last high school plays. It was an outstanding performance and we can’t wait until the Timber Creek Thespians’ next show.
