This month, Gibbons Drama is presenting its production of “Lend Me a Soprano,” written by Ken Ludwig. A multitude of talents and backgrounds make up the exciting cast of the play, and all of whom will be ready to perform for the public in the Mainstage Theater during this upcoming weekend and the following week after.
Lend Me a Soprano opening premier is this Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m. and performs again at the same time the following day. Next week, the production will perform from Thursday, Nov. 21 through Saturday, Nov. 23. On the production’s last day it premiers twice, at 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Born in York, Pa., Ken Ludwig, is a prominent American playwright, screenwriter, and director that has had a lasting impact on theater through his many award winning plays and musicals. His first play, “Lend Me a Tenor,” was called “one of the classic comedies of the 20th century” by The Washington Post and eventually won two Tony Awards. He went on to write 22 plays and four musicals, winning another Tony in the process along with many of his productions appearing on Broadway. His work has been produced in over 30 countries and translated into over 20 different languages.
“Lend Me a Soprano” encompasses the hectic yet clever Lucille Wiley who is ready to welcome the world-class soprano Elena Firenze for her one-night-only starring role. However, when Elena arrives late, Ms. Wiley is left with a puzzling predicament and has to rely on Jo, her timid but determined assistant to save the day. “Lend Me a Soprano” reverses the roles from Ken Ludwig’s hit comedy, “Lend Me a Tenor” and lets the ladies take the lead, presenting an equally funny and ridiculous show that will leave the audience in tears of laughter.
Gibbons Drama students began work on “Lend Me a Soprano” in mid-September and have not relented since.
“We’ve definitely bonded after so many hours together,” said sophomore Mary Helen Phares. “Gibbons Drama is like a family.”
Phares, who has performed in one previous Gibbons Drama production, plays the frazzled and also clever Jo, who is assistant to Ms. Wiley. This fall, she was able to learn throughout rehearsals how to connect with the characters that she is playing in order to truly embody them onstage.
“[Mr. Kevin Ferguson] makes sure we know the intent behind our characters which prepares us to really give it our all,” said Phares.
Ferguson, Head of the Fine Arts Department and a Drama/Musical Theater educator, has taken on the direction of this play and from his previous experience with Gibbons shows, promises an entertaining and show stopping performance.
“It will be funny,” Phares said. “This is going to be an entertaining show, I can guarantee it.”
So come on out and see Mary Helen and the rest of the “Lend Me a Soprano” cast in an entertaining night of laughter, fun, and entertainment. This show runs for the two weekends of Nov 15 and 21 with tickets for $5.
Purchase the tickets here at https://www.cghsnc.org/fine-arts/drama as soon as possible! Can’t wait to see you there!
