Theatre Palisades to Present ‘A Comedy of Tenors’

By SARAH SHMERLING | Editor-in-Chief

Billed as a “laugh-out-loud” play, Theatre Palisades is preparing for a six-weekend run of “A Comedy of Tenors,” beginning with a show on November 5 at 8 p.m.

“One hotel suite, four tenors, two wives, three girlfriends and a soccer stadium filled with screaming fans. What could possibly go wrong? Almost everything,” according to a show synopsis shared by Theatre Palisades. “1930’s Paris is ready for the concert of the century—so long as producer Henry Saunders can keep the amorous Italian superstar, Tito, and his hot-blooded wife, Maria, from causing runway chaos.”

The show will serve as a sequel to Theatre Palisades’ 2019 run of “Lend Me a Tenor,” with both plays penned by Ken Ludwig. During the 2020 Theatre Palisades awards show, which covered the 2019-20 season, “Lend Me a Tenor” took home a number of awards, from the Graphic Design category for its poster to Lighting Design, Set Design, Supporting Actor and Actress, Featured Actress, and Lead Actor.

“I’m speechless—thank you, thank you,” Greg Abbott, who will reprise his role of Henry Saunders in the show’s sequel, shared while accepting his award for Lead Actor. “This show was a joy to do and the cast was such a joy to work with. I’m thrilled and I can’t wait to work with these people again.”

Also reprising their roles for the second show will be Peter Miller as famous Italian tenor Tito Merelli and Maria O’Connor as his wife, named Maria as well. New faces to the cast include Rivers Cassedy as Mimi, Lara Preston as Racon, Dante Greco as Carlo, Michael Osborne as Max and Evan Valencia as Beppo.

“A Comedy of Tenors” is directed by Sherman Wayne and produced by Martha Hunter.

“Prepare for an uproarious ride,” the synopsis concluded, “full of mistaken identities, blissful romance and madcap delight.”

After more than a year of pandemic-related closures, Theatre Palisades began the 2021-22 season in August with its production of “Wait Until Dark.” In a statement, the theater shared it pays “close attention to ongoing health guidance” provided by the county.

“Regarding vaccination status, in keeping with other theaters (among them Kentwood, Noise Within and the Hollywood Fringe), prior to anyone going into the playhouse to see our play, they will need to provide proof of vaccination,” the statement explained. “This can be the hard copy card itself, or equally fine, a photo of the card on your cell phone. Also, you can download the card/report onto your cell phone.”

The most recent vaccination date would have to be a minimum of 14 days prior to the show day. Audience members will also be required to wear a mask while inside the theater—a guideline which might change, pending what Public Health requires in the future.

Shows will run through December 12, with performances scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., as well as Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 for seniors and students, and $22 for adults.

All shows take place at Pierson Playhouse, located at 941 Temescal Canyon Road. For more information or to reach the box office, visit theatrepalisades.com or call 310-454-1970.