Sophie Conlon
TAKING on such a well known play in Lend Me a Tenor was no easy feat for the Mount Gambier Theatre Group, but performers brought new life to the classic Broadway show.
Bryce Cowland did not just play the role of Max, he became Max.
Max’s personality shone through and Bryce made sure the audience knew exactly what Max was feeling as he went through a journey of ups and downs and grew in confidence.
Playing Saunders, Bernard Kierns took to the role seemingly easily.
A strong and confident man, with a hint of an anger issue, Saunders was there to make sure the events of the play ran smoothly, but everything got in his way, and Bernard rode the line of frustration and anger at the situation well.
Alysha Waters played the role of star struck Maggie, who was dating Max but wanted more and was overcome with excitement at meeting a renowned opera singer.
Seemingly on a journey of self discovery, by the end of the ordeal Maggie found that Max was who she needed all along.
Luke Pellen and Sandra Halleday took on husband and wife roles of feuding Tito and Maria.
Tito, the famous opera singer, and Maria, his forgotten wife, were red hot from the moment they entered the stage.
Josh Halleday was the unnamed extra in this ensemble cast, but he took to the Bellhop role with ease and made sure he was not missed from the action, jumping in to make himself known to Tito at any opportunity.
Playing Julia was Michelle Curtis, who took on the role of an unsuspecting rich lady who did not see what was going on under her nose.
Last but not least was Diana, who was played by Hayley Glynn, an up and coming opera star who would do anything to get to the top.
The cast worked well together to tell the story and their chemistry was evident in the delivery in classic one liners and well placed jokes.
There was hardly a minute without laughter from the audience and the cast did well to keep spirits high throughout the show.
The clever design of the set added to the comedy, with action in every corner of the stage.
A sped up version of the play to finish off the performance was an unexpected addition, but gave another great comedic effect to the show.
Overall it was a great performance put on by the Mount Gambier Theatre Group and we cannot wait to see what they will have in store next.