Blank Conversations Theatre Company & Rio Grande Theatre present

Lend Me a Soprano

Written by Ken Ludwig

Directed by Michael Wise

Synopsis: It’s 1934 and in a first-rate hotel suite in Cleveland, Ohio, the clever and combustible Lucille Wiley, Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is ready to welcome world-class soprano Elena Firenzi for her one-night-only starring role in Carmen. Alas, Elena arrives late, her impassioned husband Pasquale has a fit of jealousy, and it remains to be seen whether Mrs. Wiley’s mousy but determined assistant Jo can save the day. Ken Ludwig’s gender-bending follow-up to the Tony Award-winning Lend Me A Tenor, (all the male leads in ‘Tenor’ are now female in ‘Soprano’. This madcap screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter.

Audition Information

AUDITIONS:

Sunday July 13th from 5:00pm to 7:30pm

Rio Grande Theatre (211 N Main St., Las Cruces)

CALLBACKS (IF NEEDED):

Monday, July 14th at 7:00 pm.

Sides & location to be provided.

 

Production Schedule:

Rehearsals: First rehearsal Wednesday, August 6th at 6:30 pm (Rehearsals are Sunday – Thursdays 6:30-10 pm

Tech Rehearsals: Sept. 6 & 7 (12-10pm)

Dress Rehearsals: Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday – Sept. 8 - 11 / 6pm -11 pm.

Production Dates: Sept. 12,13 14 & 19,20,21/. Friday and Saturday night curtains are at 7:00pm. Sunday matinee curtains are at 2:30pm.

What to Prepare

  • 1-2 minute contemporary comedic monologue.

  • Those auditioning for Jo or Elena will be asked to briefly sing to demonstrate vocal range.

Characters

MRS. WYLIE (50-60): The high-strung general manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company.

JO (20-35): Her timid/mousy assistant with hidden operatic talent.

JERRY WYLIE (20-35): Mrs. Wylie’s son (fiancé to Jo & has a passion for opera).

ELENA FIRENZI (30-50): A glamorous, temperamental opera diva.

PASQUALE (30-50): Elena’s fiery/easily jealous Italian husband.

LEO (LATE 20s-30s): A Dutch tenor with an eye for the ladies.

JULIA (50-70): Mrs. Wylie’s socialite friend and chair of the Opera Guild.

BELLHOP (20-40): A spirited hotel employee who loves opera (either gender, but prefer female).

CHARACTER NOTES:

  • Elena and Pasquale speak with Italian accents and Jo adopts an Italian accent at one point. Leo has a Dutch accent.

  • Elena and Jo sing in an operatic style. Those auditioning for Jo or Elena will be asked to briefly sing to demonstrate vocal range.

  • Some roles (Leo & Jerry) involve brief appearances in minimal clothing (underwear)

  • There are moments of ‘simulated/choreographed’ kissing: [Leo & Jo, Jerry & Jo, Elena & Leo]

Audition FAQs

  • Of course! If this is your first time auditioning with Blank Conversations, please let us know! We're happy to walk you through the process and offer any guidance prior to your audition. Feel free to email us at blankconversationsco@gmail.com for help!

  • Email us at blankconversationsco@gmail.com, or sign up to be a General Member! We would be happy to have you join our teams, no matter your interests!