Prairie View A&M University’s Texas IV Kennedy Center American Collegiate Theatre Festival entry was the classic stage comedy, “Lend Me A Tenor” by Kenneth Ludwig.
The production was a laugh riot for all in attendance, as we observed a “clever” scheme hatched by the opera manager Saunders played by Prairie View Senior Derek Stokes and his underling Max played by Senior Derrick Brent, to replace the thought-to-be deceased Opera superstar Tito Morelli play by Senior Alfredo Morales. After accidentally over medicating Morelli to calm him down, Max must assume his identity and replace him in the evening’s operatic production of Othello.
In this case of mistaken identity, accidental over-medication and a love triangle of hexagonal shape, Prairie View entertained the audience with a barrage of prat fall, door slams and physical comedy, which complemented each actor’s portrayal of their characters.
The show was not without its faults though. There were lingering sound effects that distracted the audience, and on far too many occasions actors did not hold for extended laughs from the audience and an abundance of dialogue was lost in the process.
Also, in a show that depends so heavily on the precise timing of character entrances, exits and the door slams that accompany them, there were far to many occasions where the actors lost their focus and interrupted the flow of action.
Prairie View Acting instructor Rachel Dickson directed the production that ended up being the toast of this years festival. Derek Stokes, Alfredo Morales, and Senior Ebony Burton who played the character of Diana, were all honored with Irene Ryan nominations for their outstanding performances and the entire cast was honored with the best ensemble award from the festival.
Besides winning over the general viewing audience, the Prairie View A&M production was given the Respondent’s and Director’s nomination for advancement to the regional festival to be held at Sam Houston State University.