The Russell Association for the Performing Arts (RAPA) is putting on its first performance in the new year. Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me a Tenor is a classic Broadway comedy about a famous Italian opera singer who comes to Cleveland, Ohio to perform in a famous opera. However, a series of hijinks and misunderstandings complicate everything, leading to a desperate attempt to set things right.
RAPA President Dave Rama said that the cast has been rehearsing the play since January and are extremely excited to perform. Their last show was I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change in November 2022. The cast for Lend Me a Tenor includes Paul Richmond, Jennifer Tomlinson, Melissa Fournier, Scott Tomlinson, Sam Van Dusen, Dave Rama, Jennifer Rowberry, Jessa Miklos.
RAPA will be performing at Russell High School every day from May 27 to June 3. The shows are all at 7:30 p.m., except the matinee performance on Sunday May 28, which starts at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors or students, or $18 if you go on Tuesday. Season passes are also available, which come with one ticket for Lend Me a Tenor and one ticket for RAPA’s Fall show, Christmas Belles.
Christmas Belles is another comedy written by Jessie Jones, Nicholas Hope, and Jamie Wooten. It centers on the three Futrelle sisters as they try to keep it together during the Christmas season in the small town of Fayro, Texas. Frankie is overdue with her second set of twins, Twink is in jail for accidentally burning down half the town, and Honey Raye is in charge of the local church’s Christmas Program, which is spiraling out of control.
Tickets for Lend Me a Tenor are available online at www.rapa.ca. They’ll also be available at the door, but Russell High can only seat 100 people at a time, so purchasing in advance is recommended. There will be light refreshments available for purchase as well.
