New York actors and Brown County Playhouse favorites lend their talents to Tony-winning farce
Melanie Derleth as Maggie gives Brad Bellamy as Saunders a dose of his own medicine in the Brown County Playhouse production of "Lend Me a Tenor."
Doors slam and identities are confused in Ken Ludwig's comedic farce "Lend Me a Tenor," the second show of the 59th season of professional theatre at the Brown County Playhouse. "Lend Me a Tenor" marks director Dale McFadden's 22nd season at Brown County Playhouse. Dale also directed last season's hugely successful improv-inspired comedy, "The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr" (abridged), deemed "the funniest show that I've ever seen at the Brown County Playhouse" by WFIU's George Walker. McFadden brings together a cast of seasoned performers, new faces and actors who have already created great memories for the Brown County Playhouse audience. "Lend Me a Tenor" opens July 6 and runs through July 29.
"Lend Me a Tenor" features New York actor Paul Jackel as Tito Merelli, the famous lothario tenor, who on opening night of the opera "Otello" passes out cold when he decides to take some sleeping pills to help with a nap after a long trip. In order to save the theatre's reputation -- and keep its audience happy -- the general manager, played by seasoned actor Brad Bellamy, enlists his green assistant Max, played by Matthew Buffalo, to perform in Tito's place…in disguise. Add ladies hiding in closets, ambitious singers and a love struck ingénue and you have a high energy comedy that will send audiences chuckling into the warm southern Indiana evening.
Brad Bellamy as Saunders shares a toast with Paul Jackel as Tito during a rehearsal of "Lend Me a Tenor."
Both Paul Jackel and Brad Bellamy bring a great deal of experience on and off Broadway, as well as with many major regional theatres. Jackel, who has played Tito before, has worked with Robert Goulet, Hal Linden and Roddy McDowall. Bellamy's credits include work with Rodney Dangerfield and roles on "Law & Order SVU." Brown County audiences will recognize Matthew Buffalo and Allison Moody (Diana) from this season's opening show "Pump Boys and Dinettes." Patrons will also remember Nick Arapoglou from last season's hit The Compleat Works of Wllm Shkspr (abridged).
The Bloomington Herald-Times said "Nick Arapoglou's monologue from 'Hamlet' would make any Shakespearian actor proud. His task is made particularly difficult when you realize that the monologue is done totally out of context." He again calls upon his comedic talents as the Bellhop, a character always popping in at the wrong time.
"Lend Me a Tenor" plays July 6-7, 12-14, 18-21, 25-28 at 8 p.m. and July 8, 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29 at 3 p.m. at the Brown County Playhouse in the heart of historic Nashville, Ind. Ticket prices are: Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday matinees, and Sunday: $18 ($11 for ages 25 and younger); Friday and Saturday evenings: $20 ($12 for ages 25 and younger).
Tickets are available in person at the Brown County Playhouse box office or the IU Auditorium box office, by phone through Ticketmaster at 812-333-9955, at Ticketmaster outlets, or online at http://www.ticketmaster.com. Visit http://www.theatre.indiana.edu for more detailed information. For ticket information, please contact the IU Auditorium at 812-855-1103 or the Brown County Playhouse box office at 812-988-2123. Share the centennial celebration of the Art Colony in Nashville; for details, visit the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau at http://www.browncounty.com.
