TNW’s Tenor held over for good reason

It was zany. It was hilarious. In fact, Lend Me a Tenor was everything it was billed to be. But how Tito Merelli (Allan Zinyk) “played dead” for so long is one of those best kept theatrical secrets. He was lying motionless under a blanket for much of one scene, even as “Max” tried valiantly to revive him. However, Zinyk was excellent in his very much alive performance as the talented, egocentric world’s greatest tenor, prone to fits of despair over his wife’s leaving. And with a penchant for boozing.
On Thursday night, Lend Me a Tenor unfolded before a packed audience as curtains gave way to a beautifully nostalgic and plush 40’s period set; an upscale hotel suite with cutaways to bedroom and living room. Jazz music, reminiscent of the era, kept the mood light.
Zinyk was perfectly cast as Tito. In his time on stage, Zinyk skillfully takes the audience through a range of emotions from anger, outrage, laughter and tears, to wooing the ladies - all with apparent ease. He drew laughs for his “domestic squabbles” dialogue. And as part of his role, Zinyk really does act, talk and look drunk. His best comedic lines are artfully played off his nemesis turned understudy, Max, (David Beairsto).
Zinyk’s strong character is a perfect foil for the self-effacing, young aspiring singer who works as a junior manager in an opera house while trying to measure up to his overbearing boss Saunders (Bill McFadden). Max also tries desperately to impress Maggie (Kaela Aryn) who, for a few rollicking moments, is smitten with tenor Tito. After a hilarious series of misunderstandings between characters resulting in mayhem - and romps with the wrong people, Max and Maggie are reunited.
The “love” triangle leads to all sorts of smooching, disrobing, hiding in closets, bathrooms and bedroom, and - in keeping with farce devices - lots of opening and closing doors. Not to mention embarrassing cases of mistaken identity. It can be confusing if you close your eyes for a moment. That is hard to do, because the pace is fast with physically fit actors giving highly energetic performances. And the funny dialogue never stops.
For her part, blonde, willowy Leisa Way is perfectly cast and captivating as the goddess of love/femme fatale Diana. From her alluring costumes, swaying hips, dazzling beauty and annoyingly sweet and sing-songy voice, Way is completely believable as the kind of woman who could knock the philandering Tito off his feet.
Delores Drake played Maria, Tito’s long suffering wife. She was engaging in her Italian accent, delightful in her jealous rages. And stunning in her portrayal as devoted wife to a genius with an artistic temperament and an eye for the ladies.
Linda Goranson masterfully portrayed Julia, an unlucky-in-love “older” woman who though in her sixties, still likes the concert night life and pursuing the opposite sex.
Lend Me A Tenor, a delightful comedy, is one of two plays in Theatre North West’s repertory this season. The popular play by playwright Ken Ludwig has sold out many performances. For those who missed it, Lend Me a Tenor, is being held over and can be seen April 27 and 29 and May 1.