Photo Flash: First Look at LEND ME A TENOR at Beck Center

Beck Center for the Arts is pleased to present the classic farce, Lend Me a Tenor, March 27 through April 26, 2015 on the Mackey Main Stage. Show times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturdays, and 3 p.m. Sundays. There are no performances on April 4 and 5; an 8 p.m. performance has been added on Thursday, April 23. Tickets are now on sale.

Lend Me a Tenor takes place in a zany 1930s hotel filled with mistaken identities, misunderstanding, mixed signals, and doors...lots of doors. This comedy follows the fiery tempered, world famous Italian superstar, Tito Merelli, as he arrives in Cleveland to make his debut with the local opera company. When Tito goes missing, the show''s producer must find ways to cover-up the absence, placate the superstar''s wife, and distract the passionate fans. Chaos of operatic proportions ensues! USA Today hailed Lend Me a Tenor as "Uproarious! Hysterical," while Variety said there''s "nonstop laughter."

"It is my great joy to direct this side-splitter again 23 years after my first encounter with it," remarked Director Scott Spence. Originally produced at Beck Center in 1992, the current production stars Matthew Wright in the operatic role of Tito Merelli. Wright appears courtesy of the Actors'' Equity Association. "Lend Me A Tenor is a beautifully constructed piece of theatre that aims to do one thing---make you laugh. And laugh you will. Your ribs will actually be sore the next day, but it will be worth it!

Tickets are $29 for adults, $26 for seniors (65 and older), and $12 for students with a valid I.D. A $3 service fee per ticket will be applied at time of purchase. Group discounts are available for parties of four or more. Purchase tickets online at beckcenter.org or call Customer Service at 216.521.2540 x10. Beck Center for the Arts is located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood, just ten minutes west of downtown Cleveland. Free onsite parking is available.

This production of Lend Me a Tenor (Ludwig) is presented through special arrangement with Samuel French, Inc. It is generously sponsored by Cox Communications, The Dependable Painting Company, the residents of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, and the Ohio Arts Council.

Photos by Kathy Sandham