By SALINA POST
Theatre Salina is gearing up to bring laughter and chaos to the stage with Lend Me a Soprano, a screwball comedy by acclaimed playwright Ken Ludwig. Based on Ludwig’s Tony Award-winning Lend Me a Tenor, this updated version puts women in leading roles, offering a fresh and hilarious twist on a classic farce.
Set in 1934, the story centers on Lucille Wiley, the fiery manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, as she prepares for a one-night-only performance of Carmen featuring the world-class soprano Elena Firenzi. Chaos ensues when Elena arrives late, her jealous husband Pasquale causes an uproar, and Lucille’s unassuming but determined assistant, Jo, must step up to save the day.
Directed by John Hendrick, the talented cast includes:
Leo – Loren Young
Pasqal – Alex Lankhorst
Jerry – Patrick Hoffman
Elana – Allison Yaple
Mrs. Wylie – Sandy Welsh
Jo – Callie Hobkirk
Bellhop – Courtney Train
Julia – Sara Young
Robin Dutton serves as stage manager, with Amanda Reynolds as assistant stage manager and trainer.
Performances run Fridays through Sundays from January 31 to February 16, 2025, with an additional Thursday night show on February 6. All performances will take place in the Kephart Theatre at Theatre Salina, located at 303 E. Iron Avenue.
Tickets for Lend Me a Soprano are available on Theatre Salina's website or by calling the Theatre Salina box office at (785) 827-3033.
Opening Night Art and Music
The excitement of opening night for "Lend Me a Soprano, January 31, will extend beyond the stage with a special #MeetTheArtist event featuring the work of two Salina-based creatives, Anna Pauscher Morawitz and Rachel Miller.
Anna Pauscher Morawitz is an interdisciplinary artist who creates cyanotype prints and fiber art inspired by her garden and the natural world. She is also the mind behind Enna and the Snapdragons, a musical project that combines viola, ukulele, banjo, vocals, and even the saw to craft melodies inspired by traditional pop and everyday moments..
Rachel Miller is a Salina-based English teacher and artist who began her creative journey at the age of four. Passionate about both music and art, Miller pursued her talents through high school, eventually earning a vocal scholarship to Kansas Wesleyan University, where she continued to develop her artistry.