AT THE MASQUERS
By Deirdre Cerkanowicz
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Lend Me a Tenor, a two-time Tony award winning comedy, opened at the
Masquers Playhouse on August 19. Called "the most outrageous and funny
comedy to land on Broadway since Noises Off" by one New York critic. The
time is 1934 and this delightful farce centers on a sold-out concert, a
money hungry impresario, an indisposed Italian tenor and his unlikely
replacement.
Director Joan Nelson demanded the most in perfect timing from her cast.
The mildmannered Max, played by Scott Campbell, comes into his own by the
end of the play. Don Waight, whom regulars will remember from Kismet, was
back with even more flair, and Marguerite Hughes was the perfect enraged
wife for his philandering. Christine Dove as the sexy and persuasive Diane
was the perfect counterpoint to Elizabeth Rodgers as the innocent Maggie.
Virginia Cherniak was quite the elegant, yet young-at heart patroness of the
opera, while Robert WoodUs Saunders made a great cold-hearted impresario.
The star-struck bellhop, Robert Love, was annoyingly wonderful. Tenor's
host of double entendres and use of expletives might not be suitable for
youngsters, but it certainly had the audience in throes of laughter and
suspense. The cast looks likes it is having as much fun as the audience, so
if they donUt collapse from exhaustion, then Tenor will have an enjoyable
run. DonUt worry if you miss something the first time -- you'll have a
"second chance."
Lend Me a Tenor plays every Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m.,
through October 1, with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m on August 28, September
11 and 25. Tickets are $8.00 each, with a special discount for groups of 25
or more. For more information call (510) 232-4031.
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