Photo Flash: LEND ME A TENOR Slated For London Opening

"The Utah Shakespearean Festival is very excited about the success of ‘Lend Me A Tenor: The Musical,'" said Festival Executive Director R. Scott Phillips. "The project was such a labor of love that I am anxious for the rest of the theatre world to see it. Festival audiences roared with laughter and were touched by the soaring and powerful orchestral score."

The industry presentation will feature Jered Tanner who originated the role of Max Garber and Steven Stein-Grainger who originated the role of Tito Merelli in the 2007 production.

The musical was created Peter Sham, who wrote the book and lyrics, and Brad Carol, the composer. The two worked with Ken Ludwig, playwright of the original play "Lend Me a Tenor," during the process.

"This entire experience has been a blessing, and it is definitely worth the struggle," said Sham, who is also co-chair/director of theatre at Southern Utah University in Cedar City, Utah.

The artistic team will include Ian Talbot as director, Paul Gemignani as the music supervisor, Paul Farnsworth as the set and costume designer, Tim Mitchel as the lighting designer, and Randy Skinner as the choreographer.

Interestingly, Talbot took over the role of Max from actor Denis Lawson in Ludwig's original London production of "Lend Me a Tenor," which opened at the Globe Theatre in March of 1986.

"All the creative meetings have been extremely positive," said Sham. "I think there is definitely a market right now for a musical farce."

The world premiere of "Lend Me a Tenor: The Musical" was part of the 2007 summer season at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Local critics and audience members raved about the musical, predicting its ongoing success. Footage of the world premiere production can be seen at http://www.bard.org/news/video/videotenor.html.

The Festival will present another world premiere musical during the 2010 summer season based on Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." For more information about the Utah Shakespearean Festival or to order tickets, please call 800-PLAYTIX or visit www.bard.org.

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