LEND ME A SOPRANO, set in 1934, is a comedic farce that revolves around the preparations for a one-night-only performance of Bizet’s CARMEN at the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. The characters navigate a series of misunderstandings, romantic entanglements, and backstage antics, all while trying to ensure the show goes on despite the chaos. The play is a gender-swapped adaptation of Ken Ludwig’s earlier work, LEND ME A TENOR, and features strong comedic roles for female actors.

MRS. LUCILLE WYLIE (50s-60s) is the general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company. She has a confident, outspoken, extravagant personality. She is determined to ensure the success of the opera performance.

ELENA FIRENZI (30s-40s) is a world-renowned soprano who is the star of the one-night-only performance of CARMEN. She is elegant and magnificent, bold, passionate, a true diva-esque international celebrity. And she knows it. The woman playing this character will use an Italian accent and lip-sync to pre-recorded opera tracks.

PASQUALE (30s-40s) is Elena’s passionate and jealous husband. He is sensual and flamboyant. His character adds to the comedic tension of the play as he reacts to the chaos surrounding the performance. The man playing this character will use an Italian accent.

JO (late 20s) is Mrs. Wylie’s female assistant. She is frazzled and practical, with a hidden talent for singing soprano. She plays a crucial role in the unfolding chaos of the play. The woman playing Jo will use a “fake” Italian accent at times and lip-sync to pre-recorded opera tracks.

JERRY (late 20s) is Jo’s boyfriend and Mrs. Wylie’s son. He is a romantic figure in the story.

LEO (30s-40s) is the company tenor. He is handsome and confident and adds to the romantic entanglements in the play.

BELLHOP (20s-40s) a minor character who is eager and a bit goofy, contributing to the comedic elements of the story. The script allows for either a man or a woman to be cast in this role.

JULIA (50s-60s) is an elegant chairwoman of the opera guild. She represents Cleveland high society.

Ages listed refer to the characters and not necessarily to the actors chosen to perform those roles.

Woman auditioning for the roles of Elena or Jo are asked to prepare a 30-second lip-sync audition using a recorded Broadway or classical track. Bluetooth speaker will be provided.

The first read-through will be Monday, December 15th. Rehearsals will begin on Sunday, January 4. Rehearsals will generally be Sunday-Thursday evenings from 6:30-9:30pm.