Producers Hopeful for Tenor Transfer Come Dec

In a press statement, producers Martin Platt and David Elliott of Perry Street Theatricals advised they had “always been aware that our run at the Gielgud Theatre may be limited, and as such have been in discussions with Delfont Mackintosh Theatres (DMT) with regards a potential transfer at the end of our initial six months”. The production is currently booking through to 19 November 2011.

The producers added that transferring the production, which is currently in previews ahead of an opening night on 15 June 2011, is a “very real possibility and we are working closely with DMT on potential plans for the production in the West End.”

Lend Me A Tenor found a home in the Shaftesbury Avenue theatre following the early closure of The Umbrellas of Cherbourg, and a try-out run last September at the Theatre Royal Plymouth which was nominated for Best Regional Production in the Whatsonstage.com Awards.

Coincidentally, Ken Ludwig’s original award-winning play premiered at the same address (then called the Globe Theatre) in 1986 before going on to receive its Broadway premiere in 1989 and to win two Tony Awards. In March 2010, it was revived on Broadway, directed by Stanley Tucci with a cast including Anthony LaPaglia.

Matthew Kelly, Damian Humbley, Michael Matus and Sophie-Louise Dann all reprise their Plymouth roles, joined in a cast by Joanna Riding, Cassidy Janson, Gay Soper, Jane Quinn and Michelle Bishop.

Set in 1934, Lend Me a Tenor The Musical revolves around renowned tenor Tito Merelli, known as “Il Stupendo”, as he prepares to perform his greatest role, Otello. Things go wrong at the final dress rehearsal though, as a case of mistaken identity, double entendres and innuendoes threaten to ruin the show. When Tito is incapacitated, the director’s meek assistant Max is given the daunting task of finding a last-minute replacement.

The show is presented by Martin Platt and David Elliott, in association with Eileen and Allen Anes.