Winter Play (Aud)

*** IMPORTANT MESSAGE: The Feb. 9 performance of "Lend Me a Tenor" has been postponed, as Willowbrook will be closed because of predicted significant and sustained snowfall and travel/safety concerns.

You may:

• Use your tickets for the 7 p.m. performance on Feb. 10 (the box office will open at 6 p.m.)

OR

• Use your tickets for the NEWLY ADDED SHOW at 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 (the box office will open at 1 p.m.)

(From left) Willowbrook junior Joe LaPointe (Max) and senior John DeAngelo (Tito Merelli) rehearse a scene from the school's upcoming winter play, "Lend Me a Tenor."

Willowbrook students rehearse a scene from the school's upcoming winter play, "Lend Me a Tenor." They are (from left) senior John DeAngelo (Tito Merelli), senior Genevieve Corkery (Maria Merelli), senior Jake Friguletto (Henry Saunders), sophomore Javi Sweeney (the bellhop), senior Kathleen Cicero (Julia), senior Isabella Ledonne (Diana), junior Joe LaPointe (Max) and senior Julia Cicero (Maggie Saunders).

Willowbrook Theatre invites audience members to enjoy a night of comedy when it presents the school’s winter play, “Lend Me a Tenor” by Ken Ludwig, on Feb. 8, 9 and 10.

Set in 1934 at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, this farce follows several characters through a comedy of errors. The story begins with Henry Saunders (played by senior Jake Friguletto), the company’s general manager, preparing to welcome opera star Tito Merelli (played by senior John DeAngelo) for a one-night performance, along with Merelli’s wife, Maria (played by senior Genevieve Corkery).

When the world-famous tenor arrives late and then passes out after receiving an overdose of tranquilizers through a hilarious series of mishaps, Saunders has to think quickly to save the show. He turns to his assistant, Max (played by junior Joe LaPointe), and persuades him to take Merelli’s place on stage in costume as Otello. The crowd is convinced by Max’s portrayal, but hilarity ensues when Merelli wakes up and puts on a costume to perform. The situation is made even more absurd when Max’s girlfriend, Maggie (played by senior Julia Cicero) – who also is Saunder’s daughter – and Diana (played by senior Isabella Ledonne), the opera's flirtatious soprano, each mistakenly think she's with Merelli. Rounding out the cast are Julia (played by senior Kathleen Cicero), Chairwoman of the Cleveland Opera Guild, and the bellhop (played by sophomore Javi Sweeney), an over-the-top opera fan who drives Saunders crazy with his antics and serves as comic relief in the story.

Student Assistant Directors Emma Cismesia, a sophomore, and Claire Mitchell, a junior, said what makes this production unique is it allows the actors to showcase their individual styles, as there are a variety of ways the dialogue and characters can be performed.

Director Maggie Kelly said she chose the show because of its lighthearted nature. She added the play contains mature content and is PG-13.

“‘Lend Me a Tenor’ is such a fun piece because it’s a true farce – it’s a comedy wrapped around a love story,” Kelly said. “It features larger-than-life characters, physical humor and improbable situations – all taking place in one location. The goal is certainly to have the audience laughing. There is so much sadness and stress in the world today, and I hope when people come to see this play, they can step away and enjoy the therapeutic nature of theatre and get lost in the story.”

“Lend Me a Tenor”
When: 7 p.m. on Feb. 10 and 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 (see important details listed above)

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults; $5 for students and children older than 12 years old (children 12 years old and younger, accompanied by an adult, are admitted free); $3 with an Activity Pass; and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. Tickets will be on sale before the show (beginning at 6:15 p.m.) at the box office.

Note: This play contains mature content and is PG-13