19 July 2026 - Lend me a Soprano
On stage at 16th Ave Theatre 20th November to 6 December 2026
Where: The Green Room - 16th Ave Theatre
When: 1pm to 4pm
Date: Sunday 19 July 2026
About the play:
Ken Ludwig, America’s pre-eminent comic playwright and author of recent Alley popular shows - The Three Musketeers and Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, presents his latest play, Lend Me A Soprano.
Set in 1934, this fast‑paced door slamming comedy follows Lucille Wiley, Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, as she prepares for a prestigious, one‑night‑only performance of Carmen.
Her star is the world‑renowned — and notoriously temperamental — soprano Elena Firenzi.
When Elena arrives scandalously late, with her wildly jealous husband chaos explodes, triggering a domino effect of misunderstandings. Soon the luxury hotel suite is overrun with mistaken identities, an overly flirtatious tenor, an overbearing Chairwoman, a nosy bellhop, and Jerry - Lucille’s star‑struck son who’s far too eager to meet Elena – again.
As disaster piles upon disaster, it falls to Jo, Lucille’s capable yet underestimated assistant, to step up and attempt to save both the performance and Lucille’s sanity.
Director - Ali Young
Mento/Assistant - Merv Beets
Production Manager - Delwyn Weatherley
Stage Manager - Linda Campbell
Characters:
Mrs Wylie - Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company - Mid 50's Mother to Jerry
Jo - Assistant to Mrs Wylie - Late 20's - Small singing role
Jerry Wylie - Son of Mrs Wylie - Early 30’s - Lawyer
Elana Firenzi - Italian Soprano married to Pasquale - Small singing role
Pasquale Ferenzi - Italian husband of Elana
Leo - Dutch Tenor - Late 20's - no singing required
Bellhop – can be female or male - no age defined
Julia - Chairwoman of the Opera Guild - 60's
Stage ages are approximate. We encourage actors of all ages who feel right for the role to audition.
Important notes:
All cast and crew of this show must become (if you are not already) a member of 16th Ave Theatre prior to rehearsals starting. Membership forms are available on-line 16avetheatre.co.nz and payment can be made on-line or at the theatre via Eftpos.
- If you are cast in the show you must be available for all rehearsals (unless otherwise arranged) and of course be available for all productions dates.
- If you are not available for any rehearsal dates please let us know during your audition.
- While talent is the primary consideration when casting, a high level of commitment is essential. Our final choices for all roles will be made with this firmly in mind.
Download and complete the Audition Form below and email to: info@16avetheatre.co.nz
