Sunday, May 19, 2024
Lend Me a Tenor follows Tito Morelli, a world-famous opera singer known as ‘Il Stupendo’ and the misunderstandings and misfortunes that follow him, Cleveland Grand Opera Company management and his adoring fans during the night of his big performance.
From left to right, Schillings, Mooney, Brenneman, Kelly, Ball, Lisha Nurmela, Scott Nurmela and Ingle.
Max and Saunders, played by James Kelly and Boyd Mooney, scheme their way through the set in an attempt to come out on top.
The Morellis’ marriage is on the rocks as the couple, played by real-life couple Lisha and Scott Nurmela, struggle with the pressure and attention Tito faces as a star.
Humor and drama abound at this June performance.
On Friday, June 2 the Popcorn Players Theatre had their first showing of Lend Me a Tenor by Ken Ludwig. The play was held each day that weekend. In case you missed the first few showings, you still have a chance to catch the Popcorn Players in action this Friday and Saturday, June 9 and 10, at 7:30 p.m. and a matinee showing on Sunday, June 11 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, veterans and students and all tickets are $10 on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased online at azlearts.org, by phone at 817-238-PLAY or in-person at the Popcorn Players Theatre on 1012 Southeast Parkway, Azle.
Joshua Holden Jr. is the director of this production.
“This is a favorite show of mine,” Holden said. “I was familiar with it in this past, and having the chance to direct it has been an absolute blessing. It's a very big show, both in terms of set and sound, but mostly in terms of choreography. There is a total of six doors in this show, which means lots of memorizing where to go and what to do. With lots of hard work, we were able to put together a fun and fast paced farce sure to make you laugh!”
Holden has some experience directing.
“I've directed two shows before this production,” he said. “A small, 30-minute play for my theater 3 class called "Chairs", and a co-directed one act play called ‘The Devil in Sherman Marsh.’ These shows gave me a chance to try directing, as well as a chance to experiment with new ideas.”
Holden puts a little bit of himself into any performance.
“I've always tried to bring something different and new to everything I do, and that goes for directing,” Holden said. “When going through the scenes during rehearsals, we use the time to experiment with ideas and ways to make the show a much more enjoyable show. Not many shows have actors rolling over couches, throwing champagne bottles, and much more hectic scenes that you'll have to see for yourself!”
While the cast and crew had a blast putting the show together, there were certainly obstacles to overcome as well.
“Well, this show definitely proved very difficult in many ways,” Holden said. “For one, there are so many different parts and scenes in the show. Singing, dancing, chasing, and people scrambling all over the place makes it a lot to keep up with as a director. Although we were sort of pressed on time, with some actors having unfortunate scheduling conflicts, we were able to all put in our best effort and put together a great show!”
Holden feels honored having made these shows possible with the help and hard work of everyone else at the theatre, on-stage and behind-the-scenes.
“The cast for this production is a varied and talented group of people who have a great passion for the art of theater,” he said. “Our set builder, Scott, who is also acting in the show, has done a great job putting together the set exactly how I had in mind, while putting in his input as someone with much more experience. Each actor brings so much life to their characters, and they make the show what it is. And of course, the show wouldn't be possible without my lights and sound, Jacob, who is very skilled in what he does. Altogether, we make a great team!”
Holden also thanks his family and other supporters at Popcorn Players for their tremendous encouragement and support.
“I want to honestly thank the Popcorn Players for giving me the opportunity to put on something I have a deep passion for and supporting me every step of the way,” Holden said. “I also can't leave out my mother, who supports me all the way from Abilene, traveling all the way just to see shows I'm involved in. Love you mom!”
Cast
