Theatre Bacchus pours on the laughs with ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ at winery

Theatre Bacchus is turning up the farce for its springtime show.

The Niagara company brings Ken Ludwig’s musical comedy “Lend Me a Tenor” to Vieni Estates winery in Beamsville starting Friday.

It follows the company’s successful holiday production of “It’s a Wonderful Life” at the same venue last November and December.

“We have chosen this show especially as we collaborate once again with this family-owned winery, which comes from a rich Italian heritage, and they love opera,” said artistic director Lana Borsellino.

Ludwig’s show was nominated for six Tony Awards and six Drama Desk Awards in 1989. Set in a hotel suite in 1939 Cleveland, it follows a stage assistant named Max who must find a last-minute replacement for the star of a “Pagliacci” revival after he’s incapacitated by tranquilizers.

The show’s Broadway production ran for 476 performances. It was brought back in 2010.

The show stars Tina Aurora, Ivan Radulovic, Peter Churey, Dean Rooney, Grace Centritto, Trevor McGhee, Kathy Hyde-Nagel and Natasha Fiorino.

Theatre Bacchus formed in early 2020 and was preparing its first production when the pandemic put a halt to all theatre. It did a series of radio shows that helped build a following until live productions resumed in late 2021.

Borsellino said the company’s aim is to eventually have its own performance space. Until then, it will stage productions at Niagara wineries and distilleries.

“Lend Me a Tenor” is at Vieni Estates (4553 Fly Rd., Beamsville) until May 5. For tickets go to theatrebacchus.com.

‘‘ We have chosen this show especially as we collaborate once again with this family-owned winery, which comes from a rich Italian heritage, and they love opera.

LANA BORSELLINO, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR