In SOAP’s upcoming comedy Lend Me a Tenor, Italian opera star Tito Merelli (played by Nathan Linders), otherwise known as Il Stupendo, is set to debut at the Cleveland Opera. That is, until he is discovered prostrate and unresponsive in his hotel suite. Believing him dead, Saunders (Ted Osborne, above), general manager of opera house. works out his frustration on the “corpse”.

Saunders: Are you satisfied Tito? Huh? Are you proud of yourself? AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!

Only nervous stage manager Max (John Guiliano), a wanna-be tenor, is willing to step into the spotlight disguised as Tito. And only after his boss Saunders does a little grovelling.  Will anyone notice the difference? And what about the body in the bed? Frantic costume changes, mistaken identities, slamming doors, bedroom romps and romance ensue in this 1930s style screwball comedy.Definitely NOT the opera! Friday May 23 and Saturday May 24 at OSS Theatre, ,  5800 115th St., Osoyoos. Friday May 30 and Saturday May 31 at Venables Theatre, 6050 Gala St, Oliver. Curtain: 8 p.m.  Tickets $18 Adult and $15 Senior/Student. Tickets available at Your Dollar Store with More (Osoyoos), Sundance Video (Oliver) or at the door.

For lots more photos and details, check out SOAP’s website at www.soplayers.ca/lend-me-a-tenor.html