Introduction
by Ken Ludwig
The Palace Theatre
March 10 -19, 2006
Steve Arnold, Director
Suzy Westland, Assistant Director and Stage Manager
Jim Huber, Set Construction
Kevin Bookmeier, Lighting Design
Ida Higgins and Jill g. Lockard-Bopp, Costume Construction
This production is sponsored by
Clingman Pharmacy
Jon and Julie Clingman
Setting: A Luxury hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio in September, 1934
The Main Stage Series continues at the Palace with this lively comedy on March 10 – 19, set in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934. The Cleveland Grand Opera Company books the world’s greatest tenor, Tito Morelli, to perform Verdi’s Otello. But then the demanding, alcoholic, womanizing, pill popping singer is found dead in his hotel room! The unscrupulous opera manager has to choose between canceling the performance and refunding everyone’s money – or fooling the entire audience by substituting an amateur tenor for the real thing! A door slamming romp, filled with wild costumes, mistaken identities, and even a love twist thrown in for good measure. One of the funniest plays you’ll ever see!
Cast
Max, Assistant to Mrs. Saunders:
Anthony Bopp
Maggie Saunders, Max’s girlfriend:
Rachel Kramer
Henrietta Saunders, Maggie’s mother and General manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera:
Linda Merritt
Tito Merelli, A world famous tenor, known to his fans as “Il Stupendo” who is performing the title role in Verdi’s Otello for the Cleveland Grand Opera:
David Canaday
Maria, Tito’s wife:
Cathi Calderwood
A Bellhop:
Jesse Bunge
Diana, Soprano performing the role of Desdemona in Otello:
Bunny Feller
Julia, Chairman of the Opera Guild
Jill g. Lockard-Bopp
