Month: April 2016

Meet the Cast and Creative Team of Lend Me A Tenor

Leading up to opening night, each member from our 2016 Community Show Lend Me A Tenor will share why they auditioned, what they love about being in the show and their favourite parts of this must-see play.

Our 6th annual community show comes to the LFT stage April 21st to May 1st. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Lend Me A Tenor event page here.


Claire Senko – JULIA

Past shows at LFT: Rumors
Why did you choose to audition? I love Richard and Heather
What is your favourite part of the show? I fly on wings of song
Why should someone come and see the show? Tight cast, good energy
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Not for kids

Carmen Rose Davis, Brian Reichheld, Claire Senko, Kristin Reid. Rehearsal for Lend Me A Tenor. Photo Courtesy of J.P. Antonacci, Norfolk News.

Brian Reichheld – SAUNDERS

Past shows at LFT: Odd Couple, Drowsy Chaperone, Young Frankenstein
Why did you choose to audition? I was in this show many years ago and I wanted to see if my costume still fit. Dry cleaners shrunk it.
What is your favourite part of the show? “A Thundering Orgasm of Insane Violence” Did we mention this show is recommended for 14 and over?
Why should someone come and see the show? Great cast, funny script.
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Embarrassment of Talent.

Brian Reichheld, John Harris, Jason Mayo. Lend Me A Tenor Rehearsal.

Darleen Degrieck – MARIA

Past shows at LFT: Young Frankenstein, Drowsy Chaperone, The Odd Couple, Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii
What do you like so far about being in the production? I’m particularly honoured to work with Richard Dupp in his directorial debut.
What is your favourite part of the show? Exploring the many different ways to say “Pffhh”
Why should someone come and see the show? The LFT community shows are top notch productions put on by volunteers doing it for the love of it all. What more could you ask for?
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Entertaining, lively, cheeky.

Lend Me A Tenor Cast: Darleen Degrieck, Dave Deelen, Jason Mayo, Brian Reichheld, Carmen Rose Davis, John Harris, Kristin Reid. Missing: Claire Senko.

Dave Deelen – TITO

Past shows at LFT: Man in Chair in The Drowsy Chaperone, Ken in Rumors
Why did you choose to audition? The opportunity to be part of Rick’s directorial debut on the stage here at beautiful Lighthouse Theatre with a great and talented cast of friends…… count me in!!
What do you like so far about being in the production? The cast camaraderie and shenanigans
What is your favourite part of the show? Sleeping on stage ………a first for me and probably some of my best work to date.
Why should someone come and see the show? This is a show that hopefully gets rid of any of those work time blues and sheds those chains of everyday life. Something to make you laugh and feel good.
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Fast Funny and Flirty
Anything else you’d like to share? Thanks to: My wife Kim for standing by me on yet another crazy adventure. Rick, Cast and Crew for the opportunity to bring Tito to the Lighthouse Stage. Lighthouse theatre and Derek for continuing their community support and to you the audience. I hope that you have as much fun watching as we will performing.

Dave Deelen and Claire Senko. Lend Me A Tenor Rehearsal.

John Harris – MAX

Past shows at LFT: Harvey in Harvey, Mr. Munshin in Barefoot in the Park, Larry Keller in All My Sons, Damis in Crispin, Godot in Waiting for Godot
Why did you choose to audition? Any opportunity to be on the Lighthouse stage is a moment to be taken, embraced and enjoyed.
What is your favourite quote from the show? Where is Tito?

Kristin Reid, John Harris and Carmen Rose Davis. Lend Me A Tenor rehearsal.

Carmen Rose Davis – DIANA

Past shows at LFT: Young Frankenstein & Drowsy Chaperone
Why did you choose to audition? The community show is the highlight of my spring. I love getting out on stage and being someone else. And if the character allows, I get to wear red lipstick! The relationships you build and the fun you have is worth all the time and energy put into rehearsing.
What do you like so far about being in the production? Lend Me a Tenor is a comedy so there are plenty of opportunities to laugh with the cast, our director Richard and our stage manager Heather. I never leave the theatre without a smile on my face. I often thought they should show a collection of bloopers after the performance to give the audience an idea of what’s it’s like to be a part of the process.
What is your favourite part of the show? The Bellhop is definitely my favourite character and so every scene that he is in, I find absolutely hilarious. Jason does a phenomenal job of capturing the essence of this character.
Why should someone come and see the show? The community show is entertaining and local. Supporting the LFT by coming out to see Lend Me A Tenor is a great way to get involved in Norfolk County. The cast and crew are all local people who enjoy the art of live theatre and love what they do on stage.
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Without sounding too cliché, “LOL”.

Carmen Rose Davis and Dave Deelen. Rehearsal for Lend Me A Tenor.

Richard Dupp – DIRECTOR/CLOCK WINDER

Past shows at LFT: Every single one of the 7 community shows in the last 13 years. What were they again?
What do you like so far about being a part of the production? That I am working with my all fab friends! A dynamite cast! An explosive show! Patrons, be sure to wear a helmet!
What is your favourite part of the show? I don’t have to learn any lines! (more importantly, choreography)
Why should someone come and see the show? It’s a classic farce full of laughs! Also, I will TP their house if they don’t.
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Lend Me a Tenor! (wait….isn’t that four words?)

It’s actually a “Non-Musical-Musical”! How is that you say!? It’s simply magic! Come and see!


Jason Mayo – BELLHOP

Past shows at LFT: This is my first!
Why did you choose to audition? I used to teach drama at PDCS and used LFT as my classroom. I really wanted an excuse to be back on that stage and enjoy myself.
What do you like so far about being in the production? The cast are a riot and really make my first LFT production enjoyable and comfortable.
What is your favourite part of the show? I adore the ladies in this show. They are so hilarious, spicy, and over the top.
Why should someone come and see the show? It’s the type of comedy that keeps you laughing even after the end. It’s worthwhile just for the smile it will put on your face.
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Clever, Sassy, and Timeless.

Brian Reichheld, John Harris and Jason Mayo. Rehearsal for Lend Me A Tenor.

Kristin Reid – MAGGIE SAUNDERS

Past shows at LFT: Drowsy Chaperone, Young Frankenstein
Why did you choose to audition? I find it is a fun and challenging way to perform alongside a talented group of local actors. I always learn so much when I do one of the LFT shows, and form great friendships along the way.
What do you like so far about being in the production? I love it when we are practicing a part in the show, and everyone (onstage and off) are laughing hysterically. It is so great to see their smiling faces, and that’s how I know when we’ve gotten it right. If someone who has seen this part a thousand times can still laugh at it, I can’t wait to see the audience’s reaction!
What is your favourite part of the show? I love it whenever Maria comes onstage. She is such a funny and expressive character, and Darleen plays her so well.
Why should someone come and see the show? This year’s cast is unreal. These are all actors who have been on stage quite a lot, so there is a lot to look forward to. The show is also just hilarious. I was laughing uncontrollably when I read through the play for the first time, so it will be great for anyone who comes to see it. Besides, coming to the Lighthouse to see a show is always a treat!
What three words would best describe Lend Me A Tenor? Entertaining, absurd, knee-slapper

I would like to give a shout-out to Richard and Heather. They have been great leaders and a lot of fun to work with.

Kristin Reid and Dave Deelen. Rehearsal for Lend Me A Tenor.