RIALTO CHATTER: Variety Says Justin Bartha to Join LEND ME A TENOR

Variety is reporting (sourcing the show's Telecharge ticketing page, not any sort of official confirmation) that Justin Bartha, known from his big screen roles in The Hangover and National Treasure will join the upcoming revival of LEND ME A TENOR in the role that was originally set to be played by T.R. Knight. 

Ken Ludwig's comedy LEND ME A TENOR starring Anthony LaPaglia, Tony Shalhoub, Jan Maxwell, Mary Catherine Garrison, Jennifer Laura Thompson, Jay Klaitz, and Brooke Adams, directed by Stanley Tucci, will bow on Broadway on April 4, 2010 at the Music Box Theatre (239 West 45th Street). Preview performances begin March 11. Additonal casting will be announced.

LEND ME A TENOR is produced by The Araca Group, Stuart Thompson, Carl Moellenberg, Rodney Rigby, Olympus Theatricals, Broadway Across America, in Association with Lisa Cartwright, Wendy Federman/Jamie deRoy.

Set in the 1930s, LEND ME A TENOR is a madcap screwball comedy that takes place when Tito Merelli, the fiery-tempered and world famous Italian superstar, arrives in Cleveland, Ohio to make his debut with the local opera and promptly goes missing. As Saunders, the show's presenter, conspires to cover for Tito's absence, placate his hot-blooded wife, and distract his most passionate fans, chaos on a truly operatic level ensues.

LEND ME A TENOR's design and creative team is John Lee Beatty (set designer), Kenneth Posner (lighting design), Martin Pakledinaz, (costume design), Peter Hylenski (sound design) and David Loud (musical supervisor).

LEND ME A TENOR premiered on Broadway in 1989 and received seven Tony Award nominations, winning two. It was also honored with four Drama Desk Awards. Prior to Broadway, LEND ME A TENOR played London's West End where it received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy. The play has been translated into sixteen languages and produced in more than twenty-five countries.

Tickets will be available through Telechagre (212 239 6200) or at www.Telecharge.com on December 28. For more information visit www.lendmeatenorbroadway.com