This was the official website for the 2010 Broadway musical, Lend Me a Tenor. The tickets for the show went on sale February 16, 2010. The Lend Me a Tenor previews commenced March 12, 2010 with the opening on April 04, 2010. Lend Me a Tenor closed August 15, 2010. I was saddened to read the headline: The Tony Award-nominated revival of Ken Ludwig's Lend Me a Tenor, starring Anthony LaPaglia, Justin Bartha and Tony Shalhoub, will close Aug. 15 at the Music Box Theatre. Apparently the August closing date marked the conclusion of the actors' production contracts. I was able to get a couple of tickets to the closing performance. I thought the Time's review was a bit too critical, but I do agree that “Lend Me a Tenor” achieved true comic delirium at the curtain call, when the cast cycled through a mimed version of the lunatic plot in about two minutes. It had been a great night until we arrived home and discovered our internet service was down and we had to make some product changes on our website to prevent orders from being unfulfilled. The closest public wifi is an hour away so I'm probably going to have to make the trip. Then I remember something I heard from search guru Bob Sakayama of TNG/Earthling fame at a conference last year, that you can convert your phone into a wifi hotspot. Well, 3 hours later, after an hour online searching, multiple calls to my brother and annoying glares from my wife, I have it! I could have driven to the local hotspot, done the work, and come back in the time it took to do this, but I made my phone is a hotspot and I'm online! Slow, but working!

 

 

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More Background On "Lend Me a Tenor"

"Lend Me a Tenor," a comedic play by Ken Ludwig, saw a celebrated revival on Broadway in 2010 under the direction of Stanley Tucci. Set in the 1930s, this screwball comedy unfolds as Tito Merelli, a renowned Italian opera star, arrives in Cleveland to perform but goes missing just before his scheduled debut. The ensuing chaos involves a series of mishaps and mistaken identities, offering a night of high-energy farce and laughter.

The revival featured an impressive cast including Anthony LaPaglia as Tito Merelli, Tony Shalhoub as the opera presenter Saunders, and Justin Bartha in his Broadway debut as Max, the assistant tasked with managing the unpredictable opera star. Jan Maxwell shone as Merelli's passionate and fiery wife, Maria, delivering a performance that was both critically acclaimed and highlighted as a standout in the production.

Critics praised the production for its lively pace and comic timing, with standout performances that played up the physical comedy and dramatic irony characteristic of Ludwig's writing. The play was noted for its engaging visual comedy and traditional farcical elements, such as door-slamming and quick-witted dialogue, that kept the audience in stitches throughout the performance.

The design team for the revival brought the 1930s to life with detailed set designs by John Lee Beatty and costumes by Martin Pakledinaz, which complemented the vibrant and chaotic atmosphere of the play. The revival was well-received, garnering nominations for several awards including Tony and Drama League nominations for its actors and creative team.

"Lend Me a Tenor" not only delivered a night of robust laughter but also showcased the talents of a cast who could deftly handle the timing and physicality required by farce. The revival remains a memorable moment for its portrayal of comedic chaos, blending traditional farce with a modern sensibility that appealed to a broad audience.

 

Popularity

The 2010 Broadway revival of "Lend Me a Tenor" achieved considerable popularity, captivating audiences with its humor and high-energy performances. Directed by Stanley Tucci, the revival starred Anthony LaPaglia, Tony Shalhoub, and Justin Bartha, along with a strong supporting cast. It was praised for bringing a new energy to Ken Ludwig’s classic farce, making it a hit among both critics and audiences alike​​.

The show was especially noted for its exceptional comedic performances and precise timing, which are critical for the success of any farce. Jan Maxwell, in particular, received acclaim for her role, adding a significant draw for the audience with her sharp comedic skills​.

Audience reactions were generally enthusiastic, as evidenced by consistent laughter and engagement during performances. This revival not only attracted fans of the original play but also drew in those unfamiliar with it, thanks to its dynamic cast and effective marketing.

Ticket sales were robust, reflecting the show's popularity. During its run at the Music Box Theatre, the production saw a high occupancy rate, often reaching between 65% and 75% capacity during previews and maintaining strong sales throughout its run​.

Overall, the 2010 revival of "Lend Me a Tenor" on Broadway was a vibrant and successful iteration of Ludwig’s work, celebrated for its comedic brilliance and the strong performances of its cast.

 

Press & Media Coverage

The 2010 Broadway revival of "Lend Me a Tenor" garnered significant media attention, underscored by the direction of Stanley Tucci and a star-studded cast that included Anthony LaPaglia, Tony Shalhoub, and Justin Bartha. This production was widely covered by major outlets like The Hollywood Reporter and Broadway World, which highlighted the energetic and precise comic timing brought to life under Tucci's direction, making his Broadway directorial debut a notable success.

Critics generally praised the revival, emphasizing the lively performances and engaging staging that refreshed Ken Ludwig's classic farce. Reviews noted the play’s comedic brilliance, driven by standout performances and an adept handling of the traditional farce mechanics of door-slamming and mistaken identities. The show’s ability to evoke continuous laughter demonstrated its strong reception among audiences, reflected in its solid run at the Music Box Theatre.

Additionally, the production's design elements, including set, costume, and lighting, were also highlighted, complementing the overall humor and pace of the play. These contributed to creating a vibrant and immersive 1930s setting that was well-received by both critics and audiences, as detailed by sources like Playbill and Broadway World.

Overall, the revival's reception was one of warmth and enthusiasm, celebrating a well-executed return to classic theatrical comedy with modern flair, showing that Ludwig's work could still captivate and entertain a contemporary audience.

 

Audience

The 2010 Broadway revival of "Lend Me a Tenor" was well-received by a diverse audience, drawing a mix of theatre aficionados, fans of the star-studded cast, and those new to Broadway comedies. This revival, directed by Stanley Tucci, featured a cast that included notable actors such as Anthony LaPaglia, Tony Shalhoub, and Justin Bartha, which helped attract a broad demographic, from younger audiences possibly familiar with the actors from film and television to older, seasoned theatre-goers appreciative of Ludwig’s farcical writing and the theatrical tradition it represents.

Audience reactions were generally positive, with many appreciating the energetic and high-spirited performances that brought Ludwig's characters to life with a fresh vibrancy. The play managed to garner laughter and applause consistently, indicative of its success across varied audience groups. Reports indicated that the production was met with enthusiastic responses, contributing to a lively atmosphere each night at the Music Box Theatre​.

The engagement of the audience was also reflected in the critical acclaim the revival received, noting the revival brought new life to Ludwig's work, making it accessible and enjoyable for both new audiences and those familiar with the play from its earlier runs or other adaptations​.

 

Known For

"Lend Me a Tenor" is renowned for its madcap humor and intricate plotting that epitomizes the essence of a classic farce. Authored by Ken Ludwig, the play is celebrated for its rapid-fire comedy, mistaken identities, and slamming doors, all set against the backdrop of a high-stakes opera performance gone hilariously awry. The narrative revolves around the chaos that ensues when a famous opera singer is presumed unable to perform, leading to a series of comic missteps and identity swaps.

Since its debut, the play has become a favorite in both professional and community theaters due to its accessible humor and the robust roles it offers, allowing actors to showcase their comedic talents. Its acclaim is underpinned by multiple Tony nominations and its popular appeal, highlighted by frequent revivals and adaptations. The play's ability to entertain and engage diverse audiences with its timeless humor and dynamic characters remains its most enduring legacy.

 

Awards

"Lend Me a Tenor" has garnered significant acclaim and awards since its debut. The original Broadway production in 1989 received multiple Tony Award nominations, including Best Play, and won for Best Director and Best Actor, highlighting its strong direction and performances. The play also received nominations for its revival productions, underscoring its continued relevance and appeal to theater audiences. Additionally, "Lend Me a Tenor" has been a recipient of Drama Desk Awards and was nominated for an Olivier Award for its London production, emphasizing its international success and recognition in the theater community. These accolades reflect the play's high standing in theatrical circles, both in the United States and abroad.

 

Cultural & Social Significance

"Lend Me a Tenor" holds significant cultural and social relevance due to its portrayal of farcical elements, exploration of themes related to fame and identity, and its role in revitalizing interest in the genre of farce. This play is known for its energetic and accessible humor, which has broad appeal, transcending demographic and cultural barriers. The use of mistaken identities and misunderstandings not only drives the comedic aspect but also subtly comments on the human condition and the complexities of interpersonal relationships.

Culturally, "Lend Me a Tenor" has helped to maintain the vitality of farce in modern theater, demonstrating the genre's enduring appeal and its ability to adapt to contemporary tastes while staying true to its roots in exaggerated situations and rapid-fire humor. Socially, the play often serves as an introduction for many to the world of theater due to its approachability and the joyous reactions it elicits from audiences. This accessibility helps in keeping live theater an important and celebrated form of art.

Furthermore, the frequent revivals and sustained popularity of "Lend Me a Tenor" highlight its status as a staple in community and regional theaters, often chosen for its strong ensemble roles that offer actors considerable scope for performance. This not only nurtures local art scenes but also supports the theater industry by drawing in crowds and fostering a love for live performance.

In educational contexts, "Lend Me a Tenor" is frequently used as a teaching tool in drama classes, demonstrating effective comedic timing, character development, and the mechanics of staging a farce. Its inclusion in academic settings underscores its significance in understanding theatrical styles and production.

Overall, "Lend Me a Tenor" is celebrated not just for its entertainment value but also for its contribution to the arts and its reflection of social interactions through humor and satire.