Wheaton Drama

Director Jim Liesz has announced the cast for Ken Ludwig’s uproarious comedy “Lend Me a Tenor,” the opening production of Wheaton Drama’s 2103-14 season.

The cast:

Tony Lage (West Chicago) as Max 

Ellen Daschler (Lisle) as Maggie

Rob Reinalda (Mount Prospect) as Saunders

Vince Scalone (Lisle) as Tito

Jo Ann Smith (Naperville) as Maria

Jerry Moore (Lombard) as the Bellhop

Jennifer Ciombor (Wheaton) as Diana

Teresa Reinalda (Mount Prospect) as Julia

“Lend Me a Tenor” will be performed at 111 North Hale St., Wheaton, on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sept. 13 through Oct. 6, 2013. Curtain is 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.  Sunday curtain will be at 3 p.m.  Tickets are $13 for Thursday performances and $16 for all other performances.

Please call 630-260-1820 or visit http://www.wheatondrama.org/show/lend-me-a-tenor/  for tickets or additional information.

Wheaton Drama auditions for “Lend Me a Tenor” are July 28-29

Veteran director James Liesz seeks versatile performers with sharp comic timing for Ken Ludwig’s hilarious, Tony award-winning farce, “Lend Me a Tenor”.
All auditions will be held at Playhouse 111, located at 111 North Hale St. in downtown Wheaton.
Audition dates are Sunday, July 28, and Monday July 29, beginning at 7 p.m. If necessary, callbacks will be held on Tuesday, July 30, with actors called at 7 p.m. sharp. This is an open-call audition: No appointments or special readings are necessary. All roles are available.
Performance dates are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Sept. 13 through Oct. 6, 2013.
Director James Liesz is a life member of Wheaton Drama and has directed countless shows, not only for Wheaton Drama but for other area theatre groups. “If you want to have fun, laugh, and have a good time, come to auditions,” says Liesz. “This show is full of action and crazy situations.”
Cast of Characters:
MAX is in the 30-40 age range (flexible) and is highly excitable. He must sing proficiently. Actors should
prepare a few lines from an operatic aria to be sung a cappella at the audition.
MAGGIE is Max’s girlfriend and is also in the 30-40 age range (also flexible, but consistent with Max’s
age). She is a very attractive woman and totally enamored of Tito Merelli.
SAUNDERS is Maggie’s father and is General Manager of the Cleveland Opera Company. His age
range:runs relative to Maggie’s. He is a high-strung, man-in-charge character. He must have great
comedic timing. This is a terrific role!
TITO MERELLI is a world-famous tenor, known as “Il Stupendo.” His age range is 35-50 (flexible). Actor
playing this part must speak with a believable Italian accent and must sing well. Actors should prepare a
few lines from an operatic aria to be sung a cappella at the audition.
MARIA is Tito’s wife; her age range is 30-40 (compatible to Tito’s). She is beautiful, speaks with a
convincing Italian accent, and must have great comedic timing. Another great role!
The BELLHOP is a great comedic role and the age range is flexible. He must sing competently, but not
necessarily of great quality. This part also demands great timing and physicality. Actors should prepare a
few lines from an operatic aria to be sung a cappella at the audition.
DIANA is a soprano, but she does no singing on stage. Age range: 30s. Attractive, with great sex appeal.
JULIA is the Chairwoman of the Opera Guild. Age range 50-70. A very proper woman, stately, with an air
of elegance.
Questions can be addressed to Director James A. Liesz at 630-534-4828 or jaliesz@hotmail.com.

Be prepared for your audition!  Download the Lend Me A Tenor Audition Form and Sides.

Wheaton Drama announces upcoming shows and directors!

Romeo & Juliet (2013 Summer Studio Show). Performances June 28-30, July 5-7. Directed by Jeni Dees. Tickets: $10 General Admission.

Broadway Gems: Musicals You Might Have Missed musical cabaret (2013 Summer Fundraiser). Performances: August 9-11. Directed by Lisa Schmela. $10 General Admission

Lend Me A Tenor by Ken Ludwig. Performances: September 13 – October 6. Auditions: July 28-29. Directed by Jim Liesz. $13 Thursdays/$16 Fridays-Sundays.

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat by Webber/Rice. Performances: November 8 – December 8. Auditions: September 15-16. Directed by Anthony Berg. $18 Thursday/$21 Fridays-Sundays.

It’s A Wonderful Life – Radio Play (2013 Winter Fundraiser). Performances: December 12-15. Directed by Sean Ogren. $10 General Admission.

And Then There Were None (aka Ten Little Indians) by Agatha Christie. Performances: January 24 – February 16, 2014. Auditions: November 10-11. Directed by Randall W. Knott. $13 Thursdays/$16 Fridays-Sundays.

Steel Magnolias by Robert Harling. Performances: March 21 – April 13, 2014. Auditions: January 26-27. Directed by Lisa Dawn Foertsch. $13 Thursdays/$16 Fridays-Sundays.

The Music Man by Meredith Wilson. Performances: May 23 – June 15, 2014. Auditions: March 23-24. Directed by Craig Gustafson. $18 Thursdays/$21 Fridays-Sundays.

Unless otherwise noted, performances are at 8pm Thursdays-Saturdays and 3pm Sundays. Tickets available at this website.