Physical comedy, Italian passions prevail in season opener
The Okoboji Summer Theatre has opened for another season, and they did so with a lively and beautifully executed comedy.
Director Stephen Brotebeck proves once again his talent for timing, blocking and physical comedy. The cast assembled for “A Comedy of Tenors” is really well done, including the tenor voices, leaving you wanting just a bit more music.
The play, written by Ken Ludwig, is a follow-up to his show from 30-plus years ago, “Lend Me a Tenor.” No worries, though, you don’t have to know anything about the earlier show, or to have seen it, to jump right into and enjoy this one.
There are numerous references to other plays, scripts and operas, which thankfully the cast points out or most audience members wouldn’t catch the lines.
Set in Paris, France, music producer Saunders, played by crowd favorite Rob Doyen, is putting together “the biggest concert in the history of Paris” featuring three of the most famous tenor voices in the world.
Bringing together those famous voices means there are also some sizable egos in the room, so, of course, drama ensues. Doyen’s character thinks he has solved his problem when a ringer for temperamental opera star Tito shows up in the form of bellboy Beppo. As the first act closes, he announces “nothing can go wrong now.”
But, of course, it does.
Most of the first act is spent setting up the relationships and potential for confusion; the second act is when craziness escalates, people are confused for one another, doors slam and characters are running about sporting dressing gowns and negligee.
Leading the cast in the dual roles of Tito and Beppo is guest actor Ben Stasny. The character on stage and the actor pictured in the program book look nothing alike. More than just the hair, Stasny transforms himself to become a passionate, emotional Italian lover. He transforms again to become the bellboy, with slightly different mannerisms, emotions, posture and speech. Watching him communicate with a “gourmet” tongue from the buffet table is like nothing you’ve witnessed before on the OST stage.
Tito is partnered with Jesse Graham Galas, another OST guest actor, playing the wife Maria. Equally dramatic and passionate, Graham Galas holds her own with the passionate opera singer.
Joe Vergo plays the second (or would that be third?) tenor in the lineup for the big concert. Confusions ensue around his role as well, when Tito eavesdrops on a conversation between Carlo and Maria and concludes the two are having an affair.
Enter into the storyline Tito and Maria’s daughter, Mimi, who hasn’t yet introduced her parents to her lover. Mistaken identities continue as Mimi and Carlo confide in Beppo, thinking he is Tito.
Attempting to add clarity to the storyline is Max, son-in-law to producer Doyen, and a tenor want-to-be. Played by Jose Ruiz-Gonzalez, his character is a study in contrasts, coming to a logical conclusion that Tito had been dreaming and then moving 180 degrees to hysteria that his own wife is going into labor 10 days early.
Rachel Perez plays the sultry role of Russian soprano Racon, determined to seduce Tito/Beppo; while William Draper fills in as offstage parts of Beppo.
Clear as can be, right? Honestly, it’s easy to follow the storyline, even in its ridiculousness.
A long list of production folks assist Brotebeck in bringing the show to stage. Michael Burke serves as both director of production and sound designer. Nathan Lee lends his talents as technical director. Ashley Harrison creates costumes and Gretchen Uglade serves as set designer. Kat Kreutz is prop master. Rounding out the production team are Stephens College students Kate Cohen and Hannah Helms, stage manager and assistant stage manager, Kaleigh Gilchrist, assistant costume design, Alice Crist, wardrobe supervisor, and Darby Mara Davis, lighting designer.
“Comedy of Tenors” is a great start to a promising season. Don’t miss out on a rare opportunity to attend the opera in Okoboji.