Review: A COMEDY OF TENORS presented by The Hampton Theatre Company

Kicking off their incredible 34th season, The Hampton Theatre Company (HTC) offers Ken Ludwig's hysterical play A Comedy Of Tenors. This comedy farce is actually a sequel to Mr. Ludwig's Tony nominated play Lend Me A Tenor and the wonderful cast at HTC certainly delivers. And we indeed need some laughter in these wearisome times.

Currently playing through November 11th at the charming Quogue Community Hall, Artistic Director Diana Marbury excellently directs the outstanding ensemble cast of HTC vets. The uproarious tale is set in 1936 in Paris; take a few opera singers with an ego, mistaken identity, miscommunication, and a lot of top-notch physical comedy... and you have this delightfully raucous production.

Terrance Fiore strongly portrays Saunders, an impresario who simply wants to bring opera to the people. In coordinating a concert, Saunders enlists Carlo, a young, up-and-coming opera star portrayed by Connor Antico, Tito, a well-established opera giant portrayed by Edward A. Brennan, and Max, a protégée of Saunders portrayed by Matthew Conlon. Each of these men are absolutely sidesplitting in their respective roles with a special kudos to Mr. Brennan for technically, and flawlessly, taking on two roles.

And naturally the women of this production are absolutely brilliant. Amanda Griemsmann adorably portrays Mimi, the aspiring actress daughter of Tito and the fiery Maria, portrayed by Catherine Maloney. Oh yes, Mimi is also in a relationship with the aforementioned Carlo, who is additionally Tito's arch rival. And Cesa Pledger rounds out the cast in the - if perhaps underused - role of Racon who is also an opera singer and a former lover of Tito. Hilarity abounds with great chemistry among the cast.

Everyone is the cast is really superb in their respective roles and you truly need a strong comedic cast to pull this show off.

On Ms. Marbury's creative team, the lovely posh hotel room set is designed by Sean Marbury. We, the audience, view the living room section with "French Doors" that are open observing the "Eifel Tower". This is enhanced beautifully by Sebastian Paczynski and Teresa LeBrun spot-on costumes.

And so, A Comedy Of Tenors is a great way to kick off a sure to be dazzling season at the Hampton Theatre Company. A brilliant cast and entertaining story make for a fun night of theatre.

A Comedy Of Tenors is presented by the Hampton Theatre Company at Quogue Community Hall through November 11th. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 653-8955 or visit www.hamptontheatre.org

By Ken Ludwig, Direction and Set Décor by Diana Marbury, Assistant Director is Jane Lowe, Set Design by Sean Marbury, Lighting Design by Sebastian Paczynski, Sound Design by Seamus Naughton, Costume Design by Teresa LeBrun, Stage Management by Patrick McGlone

Starring Connor Antico, Edward A. Brennan, Matthew Conlon, Terrance Fiore, Amanda Griemsmann, Catherine Maloney, and Cesa Pledger

Picture by Tom Kochie; (L - R) Matthew Conlon, Connor Antico, Edward A. Brennan